Maharashtra suspends publication of newspapers, to recommence from April 1

    27-Mar-2020
Mumbai, Mar 26: In a big development, the Maharashtra Government has permitted the printing and distribution of newspapers from April 1, 2020. This decision was taken in a meeting of State Industries Minister Subhash Desai with the newspaper publishers and distributors. Since March 23, the physical copy of the newspapers was not available in many areas including Mumbai amid the novel coronavirus crisis. The categorization of print media as an essential service in the National lockdown guidelines was the main reason for lifting the curbs on printing and distribution of newspapers.
However, several conditions have been imposed.  For instance, due consideration will be given to allow the payment of the newspaper bill to be delayed until April 14, the last date of the Nationwide lockdown. The newspapers will have to be disinfected and distributed between 3-7 am. Additionally, the newspaper sellers will have to be provided with an identity card, hand sanitisers, and masks. Furthermore, crowding must be avoided at newspaper depots. Out of the 562 confirmed COVID-19 cases in India, Maharashtra has reported 116 cases so far. Republic