Guard against laxity: Centre to states on covid norms’ breach

In an advisory to chief secretaries of all states, Union home secretary Ajay Bhalla made it clear that all officers concerned should be personally held responsible for any laxity in implementation of Covid-appropriate behavior.

Taking note of the “blatant violation” of Covid-19 norms across the country, the ministry of home affairs (MHA) on Wednesday directed all states and Union territories to ensure strict enforcement of measures and protocols to “guard ourselves against complacency and laxity, which has crept in as positivity has declined”.

Large number of tourists were spotted at the Ridge in Shimla on Wednesday. (Deepak Sansta/HT)

In an advisory to chief secretaries of all states, Union home secretary Ajay Bhalla made it clear that all officers concerned should be personally held responsible for any laxity in implementation of Covid-appropriate behavior.

“If the norms of Covid-19 appropriate behaviour are not maintained at any establishment/premises/markets etc, such places shall be liable for the reimposition of restrictions, for containing the spread of Covid-19 and the defaulters shall also be liable for action under the relevant laws,” the advisory read.

Bhalla said that people were found violating Covid-19 norms in several parts of the country, especially in public transport and at hill stations. The ministry said: “It is emphasized that the second wave of Covid is not yet over...there is no room for complacency ...”