Newspaper delivery to be allowed, says MHA

The Home Secretary made it clear that the newspaper delivery supply chain was also allowed under exemptions given for print media. In a letter to Chief Secretaries, Bhalla said the entire supply chain of milk collection and distribution, has also been allowed during the lockdown period. Groceries, including hygiene products such as hand wash, soaps, disinfectants, oral care items, battery cells and chargers, are also allowed, he said. he also included the services of the Indian Red Cross Society under the Establishment of National Disaster Management Authority.

The Union Labour and Employment Ministry has notified amendment to the Employees’ Provident Funds (EPF) Scheme to allow withdrawal of non-refundable advance by the members in the event of COVID-19 pandemic. More than 60 million members of the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) can now withdraw non-refundable advance from their account in view of the lockdown to fight coronavirus. The notification GSR 225(E) amends the EPF Scheme 1952 to allow the withdrawal. The notification permits withdrawal not exceeding the basic wages and dearness allowance for three months or up to 75 per cent of the amount standing to member’s credit in the EPF account. The EPFO issued directions to its field offices for promptly processing any applications received from the EPF members.