Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla wrote to Chief Secretaries of all states and Union Territories clarifying exemptions of specific services that several had doubts about. He said that distribution of food items and nutrition support by Anganwadi workers, once in 15 days, at doorstep of select benefiaries is allowed. ‘Mandis’ for direct selling of agricultural produce by farmers, facilitated by state governments or UT administrations, are allowed as well as are sales and distribution of drugs, dhospital dispensaries, individual clinics and even telemedicine under clause 3, said the home secretary. As far as manufacturing units are concerned, manufactur of AYUSH drugs and its packaging are allowed, he added.
