Disaster Management Cabinet Secretariat.
Answers
Answer:
the country
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, in exercise of the powers under the National Disaster Management Act, 2005, has issued an Order today, directing the Ministries/ Departments of Government of India, and the State/Union Territory Governments and State/ Union Territory Authorities to take effective measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the country.
Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister Dr. P K Mishra, Cabinet Secretary Shri Rajiv Gauba and Home Secretary Shri Ajay Kumar Bhalla briefed the Chief Secretaries of all the States and UTs on the Lockdown Measures to be taken from midnight today.
Dr. P K Mishra mentioned that the present situation is unique as in case people do not maintain distance then there are chances of multiplying infection even if few people assemble. The present situation is not like an ordinary case of law and order, so this is the right time to take stringent action, he added.
The Cabinet Secretary mentioned that inconvenience to the citizens is to be minimized and people are to be sensitized about exemptions. The supply of ready made and cooked food is to be ensured and as far as possible, home deliveries should be facilitated, he added.
The Home Secretary shared the Guidelines on the measures to be taken by Ministries/Departments of Government of India, States/Union Territories for containment of the COVID-19 Epidemic. The Chief Secretaries were also briefed about those that are exempted from lockdown like Doctors, Medical Staff, Essential Services, Security, Media etc.
In compliance of the said Order of NDMA, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has issued another Order today under the National Disaster Management Act, directing the Ministries/ Departments of Government of India, State/Union Territory Governments and State/ Union Territory Authorities to take effective measures for ensuring social distancing so as to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the country. The Order shall remain in force, in all parts of the country, for a period of 21 days with effect from 25.03.2020.
Explanation:
The Cabinet Secretariat is responsible for the administration of the Government of India (Transaction of Business) Rules, 1961 and the Government of India (Allocation of Business) Rules 1961, facilitating smooth transaction of business in Ministries/ Departments of the Government. This Secretariat provides Secretarial assistance to the Cabinet and its Committees, and also assists in decision-making in Government by ensuring Inter-Ministerial coordination , ironing out differences amongst Ministries/ Departments and evolving consensus through the instrumentality of the standing/ adhoc Committees of Secretaries. Through this mechanism new policy initiatives are also promoted.
The Cabinet Secretariat ensures that the President, the Vice President and Ministers are kept informed of the major activities of all Ministries/Departments by means of monthly summary of their activities. Management of major crisis situations in the country and coordinating activities of various Ministries in such a situation is also one of the functions of the Cabinet Secretariat.