Due to a sharp increase in COVID-19 cases in Maharashtra, state CM Uddhav Thackeray announced a 15-day ‘Janta Curfew’. This curfew will restrict public movement that will help the state to curb the increase in the COVID-19 infections. The curfew will exempt all essential services and will remain in effect till 1 May, 7 AM.

Section 144 imposed, night curfew to continue

According to the new guidelines presented by the Maharashtra CM, Section 144 is imposed throughout the state. The Section 144 prohibits gathering of people at public places. Now only people who are carrying essential activities will be allowed to travel.

What all will be allowed in exempted services in Janta Curfew

  • All activities that fall in ‘essential categories’ will be exempted from curfew.
  • Groceries, vegetable shops, dairies, bakeries, confectionaries to remain open.
  • All e-commerce activities that pertain to deliveries of essential goods or services may continue.
  • RBI designated government services, financial institutions associated with RBI and SEBI, diplomatic offices to continue.
  • Petrol pumps to remain active, petrol pump personnel can move within the city.
  • Veterinary services, animal care hospitals/nursing homes, pet food shops to continue operating.
  • Construction activities where laborers reside on site to be allowed.
  • Marriages are allowed with only 25 people as attendees. Funerals too can be held with 20 persons as attendees.

What is not open or partially open?

  • Theatres, swimming pools, recreational activity zones, sports complexes and cinemas to remain completely shut.
  • Restaurants and bars are to remain closed for dine-in services. Home deliveries are allowed. People are not permitted to gather at restaurants and bars for takeaway.
  • Public places like beaches, gardens, jogging spaces, parks shall be completely closed.
  • Places of religious activities will remain closed. Those who take care of places of religion are allowed to enter and work at such places.
  • No political campaigning involving public gathering to be permitted.
  • Salons, barber shops, spas and beauty parlours to continue remaining closed.
  • Schools, colleges, private institutions to remain closed. Those students who have

State of public transport

Under the new guidelines, public transport is allowed to operate but with some restrictions.

  • Commuters and drivers are to continue wearing masks in proper fashion. If they fail to do so, they will be fined Rs. 500.
  • In taxis, if driver or passenger is not wearing masks, both the offender and driver will attract fines of Rs. 500 each.
  • Drivers of public transport are instructed to get vaccinated at the earliest.
  • Auto rickshaws are allowed to be driven with 2 passengers and a driver.
  • Taxis are allowed to operate at 50% of the car capacity + the driver.
  • Buses are also allowed to operate with full seating capacity. However, no standing passengers will be allowed.
  • Auto drivers and taxi drivers are instructed to add a plastic film or similar material between the driver’s seat and the passenger’s seat.
  • Public transport vehicle drivers are instructed to sanitize their vehicles after each trip.

State of private transport

Private vehicles, including cars, buses, 2-wheelers are allowed to operate but only for essential purposes. If a person is found guilty of making use of private vehicle for non-essential activities, they will be fined Rs. 1,000.

CM Thackeray announces Relief Package

In his speech, the Maharashtra CM also announced a Rs. 5,476 crores worth of relief package. 2 kgs of rice and 3 kgs of wheat will be given per person for free for one month. This relief package covers all beneficiaries who avail the Food Security Scheme. Additionally, ‘Shiv Bhojan Thali’ meal scheme will provide food to people for 1 month.

Moreover, Rs. 1,500 each will be provided to more than 5 lakh hawkers and 12 lakh registered auto drivers. For those who are availing the “khavati karj”, Rs. 2,000 will be provided for one month. This will benefit more than 12 lakh tribal families across states.

Further, over 12 lakh construction workers will be given a sum of Rs. 1,500 each this month. Besides, Rs. 1,000 will be given to beneficiaries of pension schemes in advance of 2 months.