BENGALURU: The Karnataka government on Friday evening issued Standard Operating Protocol for movement of stranded citizens to and from the state. This comes one day after state-appointed nodal officers in charge of inflow of citizens of Karnataka and outflow of citizens of other states from Karnataka came out with operating protocols that allow online application requesting movement and mandatory health screening.
In line with MHA guidelines, the state will ensure coordination with other states to facilitate the movement of stranded migrants, tourists, students, pilgrims etc. Transportation mode that was limited to roadways via taxis and state buses has been extended to trains, with the Centre allowing special trains to move stranded citizens. Those wanting to leave Karnataka or return to the state may apply for permission online and submit it at https://sevasindhu.karnataka.gov.in. Those wanting to leave the state can also submit their applications at BangaloreOne Centres, BBMP ward offices or at places designated by district deputy commissioners.
All applications will be given a unique ID number. Applications will be sorted statewise and nodal officers for each state will coordinate with the receiving state. Once the receiving state concurs, permission will be issued to the applicant to move. The list of persons travelling will be handed over to state bus corporations or railways. Those who receive permission to move will be screened by health authorities and those who clear screening will be allowed to travel. KSRTC, NEKRTC, NWKRTC will organise buses for specific locations in coordination with nodal officers of the receiving states.
Buses will be sanitised and social distancing maintained. Travellers have to pay for their transport. BBMP or district authorities in coordination with labour department will identify those persons wanting to avail train service after paying ticket fare fixed by the railway ministry. For those returning from other states, nodal officers will coordinate with DCs in Karnataka for transfer. Advance tickets will be issued to those taking trains.
FACILITIES
Each district will identify one exit point that will be different from the entry point. Check posts for screening will be set up at district entry points with facilities of water, food, temporary shelter, toilets etc.
CM appeals to labourers not to leave state
On May Day, Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa assured labourers of restarting economic activity, and appealed to them to not leave the state. Addressing the working class, the CM acknowledged that labourers were the worst hit during the lockdown. Assuring them that work will begin soon, he asked labourers to reconsider their decision to leave the districts they work in.
“The government has already held meetings with representatives of commerce and industries associations. It has appealed to employers to protect the interest of their workers and pay salaries,” he said. On Thursday, the state cabinet had decided to allow all industries and manufacturing units across Karnataka - except in red zones - to resume activities starting May 4. With the Union Home Ministry deciding to extend the nationwide lockdown by another two weeks, the states have been asked to formulate their own strategies to keep industries running in green zones.