GUWAHATI: Confusion seems to be prevailing with regard to usage of private/own vehicles during the Guwahati Unlock starting from 20th July which will remain effective over the next two weeks. G Plus offers the clarification that everyone is looking for.
Point No. XXII of the official notification released by the Chief Secretary to the Govt of Assam, Kumar Sanjay Krishna states: Private vehicles, both four and two-wheelers are strictly barred from coming onto the street except for medical emergency and on official duty.
Clearly the operative words here are “on official duty.”
Now, elsewhere in the notification, all shops (as per conditions of alternative street-side, etc) have been allowed to open.
Also, Swiggy, e-commerce, etc have been allowed to function.
Moreover, shops and offices are to open with a permissible number of workers.
The notification has to be read in its entirety. Thus, all such people who need to be “on official duty” would obviously be carrying their identities which is a staple and mandatory requirement these days. That being the case, all such people travelling to work may furnish their identities to the police and show a compelling reason for being on the street with their private vehicles. They may also take requisite documents from their employers to make the checking smoother and easier for themselves and the police.
Sir , kindly clarify whether we can use Pvt vehicles showing them proof that we r going to shop or office either thru iD card or letter head certification . This point need to be addressed as there is much chaos and confusion regarding this .
— saket (@saketghy) July 18, 2020
Sir , Does official duty means going to own shops and offices too .
— saket (@saketghy) July 18, 2020
Of course unless you take your family for pleasure trip.
— Kumar Sanjay Krishna (@KrSanjayKrishna) July 18, 2020
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Example 1) Shop owners who need to go from home to open their shops can use their own vehicles
Example 2) Office goers and all others who are “on official duty” can use their own private vehicles so long they can show their compelling reasons at a police check point.*
Others who may want to come out for any reason may do so on public transportation made available like Ola, Uber, autos and rickshaws. For example, anyone wanting to make a social visit to friends and relatives may do so by Ola, Uber, auto or rickshaw. Or anyone wanting to visit a wine shop for that matter. The police will not ask questions.
The order may also be interpreted as a revival package for the severely hit cab and auto business and this is a chance that the government is offering for these people to make some earning. Both lives and livelihoods are equally important. The notification also clearly spells out the sanitisation procedures to be observed when availing cab, auto and rickshaw services.
Lastly, let us not forget that Covid has not been eradicated and is only spreading further. In such a situation, this is the best that the government can do. Through this system, it has clearly sent the message, “Stay home stay safe,” while offering facilities for coming out of home if the same is at all necessary.
