Chennai, Mar 26 (IANS): The Tamil Nadu government on Thursday warned of stringent action against private banks, self-help groups, and finance companies if they go on to collect interest on loans from small borrowers.

The government also permitted small caterers serving the elderly to continue supply of cooked food, provided their vehicles sport the sticker 'Essential Service' and the drivers have identity cards.

In a statement issued here, the government said nobody is going to work owing to the lockdown and hence private banks, self-help groups and finance companies should not collect their loan dues till further orders.

The government also announced various other measures to ease the life of the people belonging to different sectors during the 21-day nationwide lockdown period.

The other measures taken decided by the government after a meeting of District Collectors held by Chief Minister K.Palaniswami through video conferencing:

Setting up of nine groups comprising of IAS officers to smoothen the hindrances due to the lockdown;

Setting up of vegetables and fruits markets in big grounds where three feet social distancing could be maintained;

Spraying of disinfectants using fire service vehicles in crowded localities;

Supply of two months medicines to pregnant woman, perons with chronic ailments like blood pressure, AIDS, tuberculosis and diabetes;

Commissioner of Greater Chennai Corporation to allow production and movement of essential items;

Issue of identity cards by Distict Collector Personal Assistant and concerned police stations;

Permitting organisations to supply essential items, medicines to grocery and cooperative stores and residences;

Village Administrative Officers to permits to farmers to move their products;

Permitting movement of agricultural harvesting machines, farm labourers and farm products to markets and factories;

Permitting movement of livestocks, cattle feed, fish and eggs;

In case of emergencies elderly persons, dialysis patients and quarantined families can call 108 number

District Collectors to monitor 54,000 persons who had come from overseas and home quarantined and also ensure supply of essential items to the families home quarantined.