AJAY BHALLA, IAS
Home Secretary
Government of India
New Delhi
D.O. No. 40-3/2020-DM-I (A) Dated: 22nd March, 2022
Dear Chief Secretary,
As you are aware, since the 24th March, 2020, on the direction of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Ministry of Home Affairs has been issuing Orders and Guidelines under the Disaster Management Act, (DM Act) 2005, for the containment of COVID-19 in the country. Central Government, in close coordination with the State Governments and Union Territory Administrations (UTs) have taken various proactive measures to deal with the unprecedented global crisis of COVID-19 pandemic.
2. Over the last 24 months, significant capacities have been developed for various aspects of management of the pandemic, such as diagnostics, surveillance, contact tracing, treatment and vaccination, hospital infrastructure and the general public has much higher level of awareness on the COVID appropriate behaviour. States and UTs have also developed their own capacities and systems and implemented their detailed State/UT specific plans for managing the pandemic. Over the last seven weeks or so there has been a steep decline in the number of cases. The total caseload in the country stands at 23,913 only and daily positivity rate has declined to 0.28%. It is also worth mentioning that with the combined efforts, a total of 181.56 Cr vaccine doses have been administered.
3. After taking into consideration the overall improvement in the situation and preparedness of the Government to deal with the pandemic, NDMA has taken a decision that there may not be any further need to invoke the provisions of the DM Act for COVID containment measures. Accordingly, after the expiry of the existing MHA Order No. 40-3/2020-DM-I (A) dated 25th February, 2022, no further Order may be issued by MHA. However, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW) advisories on COVID containment measures, including on the use of face mask and hand hygiene, will continue to guide the overall national response to the pandemic.
4. I would like to mention that in view of the nature of the disease, we still need to remain watchful of the situation. Wherever any surge in the number of cases is observed, the States/UTs may consider taking prompt and proactive action at local level, as advised by MoHFW from time to time.
5. I would, therefore, advise all the States/UTs to consider appropriately discontinuing issue of orders and guidelines under the DM Act, 2005 for COVID containment measures. The States/UTs may continue to follow the SoPs/advisories that have been or are being issued by the MoHFW from time to time for COVID containment measures, vaccination and other related aspects, including observing COVID Appropriate Behaviour.
With regards,
Yours sincerely,
(Ajay Bhalla)
Chief Secretaries of all States
