Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 648/20

NIGHT CURFEW PROMULGATED IN EAST KHASI HILLS

In view of the prevailing situation concerning COVID-19 in the state, country and globally and to put in place preventive and mitigation measures, to identify and take more stringent steps so the pandemic of COVID-19 is contained, reduced and eliminated in East Khasi Hills District and Meghalaya by way of rigorous contact tracing, testing, quarantine, isolation and ensuring strict observance of protocols and advisories issued by the Government of Meghalaya in the Health and Family Welfare Department, the District Magistrate, East Khasi Hills District in an order issued on 29th August, 2020 under Section 144 CrPC read together with Regulation 3 of the Meghalaya Epidemic Diseases, COVID-19 Regulations, 2020 has promulgated night curfew in East Khasi Hills District with effect from 31st August, 2020 upto 7th September, 2020, only for timings falling between 9:00 PM to 5:00 AM each day. The District Magistrate said that the order will not apply to Security Forces, Medical Teams on duty, Wholesale and Retail Pharmacies, Police and Armed Forces, Fire and Emergency Service, MeECL, NEEPCO and Power Grid, Food and Civil Supplies Department, FCI, PWD, PHE, Shillong Municipal Board, Postal Service, Telecom, Communications and IT Services, Press, Print and Electronic Media, Petrol Pumps including Indian Oil Corporation, essential services including Health Services, hospitals, clinics, dispensaries, veterinary clinics, labs, online/home food delivery. However, home delivery of food shall be exempted only upto 10:00 PM. Authorized workshops and designated spare parts dealerships of Health & Family Welfare Department, Government of Meghalaya, officials on duty, officers and staff of Corona Care Centres, Information & Public Relations Department and National Highway & Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDCL).

These services shall strictly comply with all protocols and procedures including social distancing, limiting of field staff to the barest minimum and other advisories of Government in the Health and Family Welfare Department, without fail. Movement of vehicles carrying essential goods, security forces, medical equipments and shops for repair of trucks on highways are also exempted. However, drivers and attendants of the vehicles shall be subject to medical screening as per laid down protocols. Exemption granted to official and non official emergency/essential services, establishments and agencies will not extend to the declared containment areas. Curfew passes for timings falling between 9:00 PM to 5:00 AM with effect from 31st August, 2020 upto 7th September, 2020 can be obtained via online application at www.eastkhasihills.gov.in.

Press Release No. 649/20

PROHIBITORY ORDER

In view of the prevailing situation concerning COVID-19 in the state, country and globally and to put in place preventive measures and awareness, to identify and take more stringent steps to ensure social distancing so the pandemic of COVID-19 is contained, reduced and eliminated in East Khasi Hills District and Meghalaya by way of rigorous contact tracing, testing, quarantine, isolation and ensuring strict observance of protocols and advisories issued by the Government of Meghalaya in the Health and Family Welfare Department, the District Magistrate, East Khasi Hills District in an order issued on 29th August, 2020 under Section 144 CrPC read together with Regulation 3 of the Meghalaya Epidemic Diseases, COVID-19 Regulations, 2020 has prohibited inter-state movement, any assembly whatsoever and while enforcing this every individual to mandatorily maintain social distancing of at least six feet, wearing of masks, respiratory etiquette and to strictly follow without fail the various protocols and advisories of the Government in the Health and Family Welfare Department at all times, in all of East Khasi Hills District including Shillong urban agglomeration, Sohra and Pynursla Civil Sub-Divisions and C&RD Blocks with effect from 31st August, 2020 upto 7th September, 2020 only for timings falling between 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM each day.

The order also prohibits operation of unregulated major markets and unregulated shopping complexes, Border Haats and markets located in the inter-state borders, operation of all cinema halls, swimming pools, entertainment parks, theatres, bars and auditorium, assembly halls and similar recreational places, all forms of contact sports and spectators in sport grounds and stadia, operation of educational institutions, training centres and coaching classes (tuitions) barring online and distance learning, opening of religious places and places of worship of all faiths to the public including religious gatherings and congregation, however, marriage rituals in places of worship is permitted only after obtaining due permission from the District Magistrate. The order also prohibited all forms of large public gathering and congregation including social, political, entertainment, academic, cultural, religious functions etc, moving in public, work places and during transport without a mask, spitting in public places and consumption of liquor, paan, gutka, tobacco etc in public places. The order also prohibited entry into the District via all entry points of Meghalaya with effect from midnight of 31st August, 2020 upto midnight of 7th September, 2020 except movement related to emergency, medical and essential services, goods and interstate transit vehicles as per order issued by the Political Department on 21st August, 2020. Further, the order prohibits incoming additional workforce from outside the State except for skilled highly, skilled, specialized professionals and technicians as regulated by instructions by Political Department, Government of Meghalaya, Standard Operating Procedures of Labour Department and order of the Health and Family Welfare Department as notified and issued earlier by the respective departments. However, due permission will be given on submission of undertaking to the Deputy Labour Commissioner, East Khasi Hills District.

In the order, general instruction also states that the public shall strictly comply, without fail to the measures listed for the declared containment areas, individuals must maintain a minimum distance of 6 feet or 2 metres in public places, for funeral and last rites related gatherings, the number of guests must not exceed 20, wedding ceremonies will be allowed in religious places/places of worship and the number of guests shall not exceed one-third of the seating capacity or 50 guests, whichever is less inclusive of the host and the Authority/s presiding over the wedding, however, wedding receptions are suspended till further orders, added the District Magistrate. Persons above 65 years of age, persons with co-morbidities, pregnant women and children below the age of 10 years in public places are advised to stay at home, except for meeting essential requirements and for health purposes. Operation of supply chains, wholesalers, retail outlets, shops, services and other establishments in the whole of East Khasi Hills District will be regulated as per scheduled timings and dates which will be released in advance from time to time by the District Magistrate, East Khasi Hills District. Operation of permitted shops, services, establishment, agricultural, industrial and commercial activities must strictly adhere to the prescribed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and National Directives of Government for COVID-19 Management in Public Places and Work Places including mandatory compliance to the advisories of Health and Family Welfare Department, without fail and also to the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) on preventive measures to contain the spread of COVID-19 in offices, both public and private as issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. Employers of all forms of activities including shops, services, establishments, agricultural, industrial, etc, must ensure that Aarogya Setu Application and Behavioral Change Management App are installed and utilized by all their employees without fail with due monitoring. All residents of the District are to install Aarogya Setu Application and Behavioral Change Management App and to regularly update their health status on the app for containment of COVID-19 pandemic. Movement of vehicles and other traffic arrangement will be prepared and regulated by the office of the Superintendent of Police, East Khasi Hills District, Shillong. Inter-District movement of persons is permitted. Interstate movement of persons will continue to be restricted.

The designated Joint Secretaries, Heads of Departments, Sub-Divisional Officer (C) Sohra and Pynursla Civil Sub-Divisions, Block Development Officers and District Heads of Office in East Khasi Hills will issue vehicle passes only to their respective officers and staff specifically for official purposes and they should ensure that these passes are utilized strictly for official purpose only and any deviation will render the Issuing Authority and the employee, staff, pass holder liable to legal action. The order also stated that the name, address, contact details, timings and purpose of the pass are to be clearly reflected. However, passes for all forms of all inter-state movement to and from East Khasi Hills District will only be issued by the District Magistrate, East Khasi Hills District.

Press Release No. 650/20

ORDER

With a view to regulate operation of Iewduh, the Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills District in an order issued on 29th August, 2020 has informed that 1245 numbers of shops in Iewduh will open three times a week @ 623 shops per day from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM strictly as per the regulated arrangements to be made by the Syiem of Hima Mylliem. Operation of shops must strictly adhere to the prescribed Standard Operating Procedures of Government and mandatory compliance to all the advisories of the Health and Family Welfare Department, without fail. The Syiem of Hima Mylliem will ensure due compliance by the shop owners to the norms, protocols and advisories of Government in the Health & Family Welfare Department with special and strict reference to social distancing concerning the COVID -19 situation. In addition, the shopkeepers and customers are to strictly maintain social distancing of at least 6 feet, not to overcrowd in one area or shop, to wear mask which is mandatory and non compliance will entail action of closure of the shops concerned, not to spit in public places, respiratory etiquette, hand hygiene and hand sanitizers to be provided by the shop owner at the entry and exit of the shop, frequent sanitization of the shop and to cooperate with management made by the Syiem of Hima Mylliem and District Police.

Shopkeepers and customers are also to ensure compulsory compliance to the conditions in the prohibitory and night curfew orders issued by the District Magistrate on 29th August, 2020 under 144 CrPC. The order also states that violation of any or all the norms and protocols will entail legal action and closure of the shops.

Press Release No. 651/20

ORDER

The Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills District in an order issued on 29th August, 2020 has informed that specific activities, services, commercial and private establishments in all of East Khasi Hills District including Shillong Urban Agglomeration will open daily from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM except Iewduh. This order will not apply to areas, buildings, houses and compounds which are declared as containment areas. According to the order, all standalone shops from fixed premises and shops in shopping malls/complexes will open daily from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. However, shops with allotted serial numbers 1, 3 and 5 will open on 31st August, 2020, 2nd , 4th, 8th, 10th and 12th September, 2020 while shops with allotted serial numbers 2, 4 and 6 will open on 1st , 3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th and 11th September, 2020 in shopping complexes in MUDA Complex (Police Bazaar), Glory’s Plaza, J M Towers, Deedar Market, Dmar Complex, DGC Cross Road Building, Hira Market, Gulesta Fancy Market, Jivan Ram Complex (Bhutia Market), Rapsang Market Complex (Mawlonghat), Municipal Parking Lot (Mawlonghat), Anjalee Parking Lot (29-Cantonment) and Khasi Market below Jaiaw Taxi Stand at Motphran.

These shops must strictly follow the Standard Operating Procedures on preventive measures in shopping mall to contain spread of COVID-19 as issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare Department, Government of India without fail. The owner of shopping mall, complex and the respective shopkeepers must compulsorily comply to the Standard Operating Procedures of the Government and instructions from the office of the Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills District failing which the concerned shop or the shopping mall, complex will be closed down followed by legal action. No loitering is allowed in the shopping mall, complex and only customers shall enter to make purchase and exit immediately thereafter, without fail. Restaurants, cafes and food outlets excluding those that are located along National Highways shall open daily from 8 AM to 8 PM in strict compliance of the Standard Operating Procedures on preventive measures in restaurant to contain spread of COVID-19 as issued by the Government of Meghalaya in Tourism Department. Home delivery and takeaway service is allowed till 10:00 PM, however, only take away service is permitted along National Highways as per order issued on 12th May, 2020 by the Government of Meghalaya in the Political Department.

Barber shops, beauty parlours and saloons will open in strict compliance of the Standard Operating Procedures of health protocol for saloons and beauty parlours as issued by the Government of Meghalaya in Health and Family Welfare Department. Identified weekly markets except Border Haats and markets located in the inter-state border are permitted to open in East Khasi Hills District subject to strict compliance to the Standard Operating Procedures as issued by the Government of Meghalaya in the Health and Family Welfare Department. Hotels are permitted to resume operation subject to strict compliance of the Standard Operating Procedures issued by the Government of Meghalaya in Tourism Department and due permission is to be strictly obtained, without fail from the Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills for the resumption of operations. Yoga Institutes and Gymnasiums will operate subject to strict compliance to the Standard Operating Procedures issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, after due permission has been received from the Office of the Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills District and an Undertaking confirming adherence to the relevant SOPs and SOPs issued by the Government of Meghalaya in the Health & Family Welfare Department is to be submitted to the Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills District before resumption of operations. Cyber Cafes are permitted to open subject to strict compliance to the Standard Operating Procedures issued by the Information Technology and Communication Department, Government of Meghalaya, after due permission has been received from the Office of the Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills District and an Undertaking confirming adherence to the relevant SOPs and SOPs issued by the Government of Meghalaya in the Health & Family Welfare Department is to be submitted to the Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills District. Gaming Parlours are permitted to open on a daily basis subject to strict compliance to the Standard Operating Procedures being issued by the Office of the Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills District after due permission has been received and an Undertaking confirming adherence to the relevant SOPs and SOPs issued by the Government of Meghalaya in the Health & Family Welfare Department is to be submitted to the Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills District.

Ward’s lake, Shillong and Elephant Falls, Shillong are permitted to reopen for local tourist from within the state with effect from 1st September, 2020 subject to compliance of the Standard Operating Procedures issued by the Tourism Department, Government of Meghalaya. Wholesale and retail pharmacies, clinics both private and public, labs, veterinary hospital, dispensary, petrol pumps, home delivery and takeaway of food, mobile car repairing service consisting of two technicians and mechanics, courier services and e-commerce operation for all goods and CSCs, services provided by self-employed persons, eg., electrician, IT repairs, plumbers, motor mechanics and carpenters, automobile showrooms, wine stores and bonded warehouses and fair price shops both NFSA and Non-NFSA will open and operate daily in all of East Khasi Hills District including of Shillong Urban Agglomeration. All construction works in rural areas are allowed but they must obtain permission and submit an undertaking to the Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills District. In urban areas, only in-situ construction, where workers are available on site or workers, labourers, supervisors, etc working in the construction site coming from their residence within the same district and no workers are required to be brought from outside, and construction of renewable energy projects are allowed but they must obtain permission and submit an undertaking to the Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills District. For incoming skilled workforce, highly skilled and professionals, the order stated that the employer should follow instructions of the Political Department, Standard Operating Procedures of Labour department and order issued by Health and Family Welfare Departments, Government of Meghalaya, however, due permission will be given upon submission of Undertaking to the Labour Commissioner, East Khasi Hills. Private office establishments with 33percent employee-strength are allowed, however, they must obtain permission and submit an Undertaking to the Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills District and to mandatorily comply to the National Directives, Standard Operating Procedures of Government of India for COVID-19 Management and to all advisories of Health and Family Welfare Department, Government of Meghalaya. In addition, they must strictly follow the Standard Operating Procedures on preventive measures to contain spread of COVID-19 in office and work place as issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, without fail.

Operation of notified weighbridges to facilitate checking of loaded vehicles is allowed, but they must obtain permission and submit an Undertaking to the Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills District. Border trade with Bangladesh through Land Customs Stations is permitted subject to strict compliance of the Standard Operating Procedures issued by the State Government in the Commerce and Industries Department. However, trade through Border Haat is not permitted. Non-contact and in-direct contact sports in strict compliance to Standard Operating Procedures for non-contact and indirect-contact sporting activities issued by the Sports and Youth Affairs Department, Government of Meghalaya are allowed but they must obtain permission and submit an Undertaking to the Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills District. In addition, the order state that food processing units including rice mills and mustard oil processing in rural areas outside municipalities, brick kilns in rural areas outside municipalities, industrial units, cement plants will operate at 50percent capacity, mining of limestone and boulder by lease-holder for domestic sale in the state or country and export outside the country is permitted only through automated, elevated conveyor belt with no human intervention, quarrying of chips and aggregates including their transportation, all agriculture and allied sectors activities like farming operations including livestock farming, poultry, fishery and hatcheries, collection, processing and distribution of milk and milk products, mandis by AMPC, procurement and marketing of agricultural produce, Custom Hiring Centres, cold storage and warehouses, manufacturing, packaging and distribution of agriculture inputs, seed, animal feed and fodder, movement of harvesting and sowing related machines and implements, operation of tea industry including plantation for production, processing, packaging and marketing, transportation of all agricultural products and MGNREGA works with strict implementation of social distancing and face mask are allowed to open and operate daily after they have submitted an Undertaking to the Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills District. Operation of permitted establishments, services, agricultural, industrial and commercial activities in both urban and rural areas must strictly adhere to the prescribed Standard Operation Procedures of the Government and mandatory compliance to the Advisories of Health and Family Welfare Department, without fail.

The local Headmen (Rangbah Shnong) in coordination with Incident Commander, Magistrates and Police will regulate the operation of the shops, services and commercial establishments in their respective localities, villages and also to ensure due compliance to the advisories of Government in the Health & Family Welfare Department with special and strict reference to social distancing concerning the COVID-19 situation. The Deputy Commissioner also requested the public to strictly maintain social distancing of at least 6 feet, not to overcrowd in one area or shop, shopkeepers and costumers must mandatorily wear masks and non compliance will entail action of closure of the shops concerned, not to spit in public places and to cooperate with the management made by the District Administration, District Police and Headman and also to ensure compulsory compliance to the conditions in the prohibitory and night curfew orders issued by the District Magistrate on 29th August, 2020 under 144 CrPC.

Press Release No. 652/20

CHIEF MINISTER INSPECTS JAL JEEVAN MISSION IMPLEMENTATION

Chief Minister, Shri Conrad K. Sangma today visited Sohiong in East Khasi Hills District, to inspect the ongoing works of the PHE department under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM). Accompanied by the local M.L.A. and P.H.E. Minister, Shri Samlin Malgniang, the Chief Minister along with a team of officials from the department, embarked on household visits to assess the implementation of JJM in the area.

During his visit, the Chief Minister interacted with the beneficiaries personally. Piped water connection has ushered in much anticipated convenience to most of these rural residents that depend on drawing water manually from distantly located water sources in the villages. Expressing his overall satisfaction on the progress of work the Chief Minister was optimistic that with the ongoing pace the State should be able to achieve the targets set forth and provide functional tap water connections to all rural households in Meghalaya by 2022. ‘I would like to thank our Hon’ble Prime Minister and the Ministry of Jal Shakti for all the financial and technical support in the implementation of this programme in our State. We have a target of almost 2 lakh households in this financial year. The P.H.E. department under the leadership of our current Minister is doing a tremendous job to pursue the completion of all works mandated under the programme and move forward aggressively even under such difficult circumstances (Covid-19 pandemic) that we are facing currently’, the Chief Minister said.

Jal Jeevan Mission is a project funded by the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India, which envisages to provide safe and adequate drinking water through individual household tap connections by 2024 to all households in rural India. The programme will also implement source sustainability measures as mandatory elements, such as recharge and reuse through grey water management, water conservation, rainwater harvesting. Meghalaya has set the target of December 2022 for Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTC) to every rural household in the State. Later in the day the Chief Minister also visited the site of the Greater Shillong Water Supply Scheme at Mawphlang and interacted with the officials from the concerned department.