Assam relaxes lockdown norms from today, first state to do so

New Delhi : Assam has become the first state to implement exemptions from the ongoing nationwide lockdown that has been implemented to stop the spread of novel coronavirus pandemic in India. The relaxation in the norms comes into effect from April 1 despite the fact that the state has recorded its first COVID-19 case from Silchar.

The decision was taken in an urgent cabinet meeting chaired by chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Monday night.

After the relaxation is imposed, the rice and flour mills would be able to operate and tea leaves will also be allowed to pluck. Agriculture and farming with necessary protection will also continue from April 1.

Other than this, Assam government is also trying to trace down around 500 people who had attended the Tablighi Jamat event in Delhi's Nizamuddin mosque earlier this month.

Meanwhile, the cabinet has announced a COVID-19 package which will encompass over 70 lakh people.

"58 lakh people under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) will get free rice; non-card holders of NFSA will get Rs 1000. People in the tribal-dominated areas will also get Rs 1000," a statement by the state government said.

The government added, "Around 2.7 lakh construction registered workers engaged in embankment construction will also get Rs 1,000. Trucks carrying essential items will be allowed to ply from April 1."

India has been observing a complete lockdown since March 24 midnight. Over 1,200 cases have been reported from across the country and 32 people have died.