Daijiworld Media Network - Thiruvananthapuram (SHP)

Thiruvananthapuram, Apr 20: Kerala government's decision to revise the lockdown guidelines issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs has drawn strong objection from the Centre.

The Kerala government circulated revised guidelines in its order where it has allowed functioning of activities which were prohibited in the April 15 MHA order.

These activities which are being allowed to function are local workshops, barbershops, restaurants, two people in the back of the four-wheelers, pillion rider on the scooters.

The additional activities which are also allowed include book stores, MSMEs in municipal limits and bus travel in the cities/towns for short distances, sources informed.

A letter in this regard was sent by the Centre, disapproving the move, to the chief secretary of Kerala, Tom Jose.

Meanwhile, reacting to the Centre's letter, state minister Kadakampally Surendran said, "We have given relaxations abiding by directions issued by Centre. The Centre may have asked for an explanation due to some misunderstanding. Once we give an explanation, I hope the issue will be solved. We followed all norms set by the Centre."

Prime Minister Modi, while announcing the extension of the nationwide lockdown, had said that there will be some relaxation of the lockdown in non-containment zones from April 20. However, the lockdown will not be lifted from anywhere.

Kerala government has segregated the state into different zones according to the severity of the coronavirus outbreak in the areas. The Red zone comprises Kasaragod, Kannur, Kozhikode and Malappuram districts. In these areas, a complete lockdown will be in place until May 3 while two entry and exit points are allowed for carrying essential commodities to coronavirus hotspots.