Now strict prohibitory order, strict action!

KATHMANDU: SUNDAY, MAY 23, 2021 – The government has now adopted a strategy of enforcing the ban strictly. The day after Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli took over the command of the COVID-19 board of directors, the government has taken a tough strategy.

The Home Ministry has issued circulars to all 77 chief district officers and all three security chiefs across the country, instructing them not to allow people to walk to the streets. Home Secretary Maheshwor Neupane has instructed the Chiefs of Nepal Police, Armed Police Force and National Investigation Department to tighten the prohibitory order on Corona in most districts of the country.

President Bidya Devi Bhandari issued the directive three days ago and directed to strictly implement the ordinance. As per the directives of the House, the current prohibitory order on effective implementation of the ordinance will be tightened from today. The ordinance has also increased the provision of fines and punishments.

Earlier, fines and punishments were being meted out under the provisions of the Infectious Diseases Act 2020, but now the provisions of the ordinance are being implemented. The ordinance provides for imprisonment for up to one year and a fine of Rs 500,000 or both for obstructing the implementation of the prohibitory order. Earlier, those who violated the Infectious Diseases Act were sentenced to one month imprisonment or Rs 100 and those who obstructed work were sentenced to six months imprisonment or Rs 600.

Similarly, non-compliance with the prescribed criteria for prevention of infectious diseases is punishable by imprisonment for six months or a fine of Rs 300,000 or both. There was no such provision in the Infectious Diseases Act. The Chief District Officer may immediately impose a fine for violating the order given under the ordinance. The CDO can impose a fine of up to one lakh rupees if the person violates it, and up to five lakh rupees if the organization violates it.

Police will be able to impose a fine of Rs 100 on a person who does not wear a mask, Rs 200 on a traffic violation, Rs 2,000 on a two-wheeler without permission and Rs 5,000 on other vehicles. In addition to the punishment, the Chief District Officer may close down the organization or business working against the ordinance for six months. This means that now there is a strict prohibitory order, the action is also strict.