Meghalaya govt keen to resume limited economic activity

"During the video conference with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, I have proposed to resume the limited economic activity, farming, fishing, works of MGNREGA and constriction works to help out the people's livelihood during the ongoing lockdown," Sangma said in a video telecast on social media on Saturday night.

"With proper supervision, these proposed economic activities could be done ensuring social distancing. No big gatherings would be allowed."

He said that the Meghalaya government wants to start the economic activity slowly keeping in mind the health issues of the people.

Sangma said "I have proposed to continue the lockdown at least for two more weeks and restrictions on inter-state movement must be maintained very strictly. The functioning of major departments could be considered. Intra-district movement could also be considered."

The Chief Minister said that the state cabinet meeting on Monday would discuss the financial help and other support to the people of Meghalaya stranded in different parts of the state.

In a separate decision, the Meghalaya government has allowed the opening of wine shops and bonded warehouses from Monday.

Meghalaya government's Commissioner of Excise in a letter to Deputy Commissioners of all eleven districts said that maintaining social distancing, the wine shops and bonded warehouses can be opened from 9 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. from April 13 to April 17.

The letter stated that the owner of the wine shops would be made personally responsible by deploying their staff to ensure social distancing.

"Only one person per household would be allowed to visit a wine shop for the purchase and the movement from one locality and one village to another locality shall be prohibited. The wine shops may function with bare minimum staff and provide hand sanitizers to customers and staff while handling bottles and cash," it said.