Agencies

The purpose of restricting movement during the night was for preventing congregation of people and ensuring social distancing, but not hampering supply chains and logistics, says Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla.

Movement of people will remain prohibited across the country from 9 pm to 5 am during the ongoing 'Unlock 1', but there are no restrictions on plying of buses with passengers and goods trucks on highways, the Centre said on Friday.

In a communication to all states, Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla also said that the purpose of restricting the movement of individuals during the night was primarily intended at preventing the congregation of people and ensuring social distancing, but not hampering supply chains and logistics.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) had issued guidelines prohibiting the movement of people between 9 pm and 5 am throughout the country, except for essential activities, he said.