Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SD)

Bengaluru, May 11: The chief minister's office (CMO) on Sunday May 10 stated that the state government would bear the train fare expenses of Kannadigas stranded across the country and are keen to return to the state. Priority will be given to tourists, students, and those with health conditions it said.

However, train services to the state would depend on the number of people who had applied to return back. Trains are yet to be designated to bring back stranded Kannadigas.

The state government has issued certain strict guidelines to be adhered to for those seeking to return. The guidelines include mandatory registration only for those stranded in other states, upon return 14 days of quarantine mandatorily for all among others.

The statement said, "They will be allowed according to the availability of quarantine facilities." The statement also said that only those willing to undergo quarantine must register.

The decision was taken after the government was widely criticized overcharging train fares from migrant labourers 45 days post lockdown whose situation had already worsened.

Meanwhile, the opposition parties, especially the Congress slammed the centre over the issue.