More on Covid-19

GUWAHATI: With no positive Covid-19 case in the state so far, the Assam cabinet on Monday took several decisions that point towards easing the lockdown norms in the state from April 1.According to the state government statement, the cabinet decided to start repairing hundreds of embankments from the next month before the first wave of the annual floods strikes. Besides, the cabinet also allowed restarting plucking of tea leaves for production of tea. Both exercises require the workforce come out of the lockdown. The cabinet however underlined that they have to work within the guidelines set by the health department.The food processing industry, which includes atta and rice mills and biscuit factories, also has been allowed to restart production with permission from district civil authorities and within the health guidelines.The cabinet, as announced earlier, decided that 58 lakh families registered under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) will start receiving free rice from April 1 on doorsteps. Those without the NFSA card will get one time assistance of Rs 1000.