SHILLONG, APR 6: The state government has decided to allow farmers to start with their sowing activities and re-opening of weekly markets in rural areas from April 15 even as it further extended the closure of all educational institutions till April 30, in view of the COVID-19 pandemic.
After the cabinet meeting held here on Monday, deputy chief minister Prestone Tynsong told reporters that all schools and educational institutions will remain closed till April 30, and the same will be reviewed depending upon the prevailing situation in the entire country.
Tynsong said farmers in rural areas will be allowed to start their sowing activities with immediate effect but strict protocols have to be maintained as prescribed by the health department.
“Weekly markets in rural areas will also be allowed to re-open from April 15, provided that strict COVID-19 protocols as prescribed by the health department are adhered to,” he said while informing that Iewduh market and police bazar will remain closed till further orders.
The deputy chief minister also announced that activities under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme will also be allowed to resume in the state.
“Wages and the material components to the tune of Rs 534.6573 crore has been sanctioned and released to the respective Block Development Offices for payment of wages and clearing the materials bills,” he said.
Tynsong further informed that construction works including road and other allied development programs sanctioned by the government in the last financial year is allowed to restart from April 15.
He also said all government offices will also start functioning with full staff strength and private transportation will be allowed to resume from April 15.
Asked, the deputy chief minister said that the cabinet will again sit to decide on its future course of action after April 14.
Stating that inter-state movement will continue to be closed, he however said inter-district movement will be allowed after lockdown period is over.
By Our Reporter
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