By Dev Bahadur Kunwar, Kathmandu, Mar. 26: The Ministry of Home Affairs has decided to ease the import and transportation of food supplies and other essential goods amid the lockdown.

The ministry has urged stores and sellers to manage home delivery services through delivery vans.

A meeting held today under Chairmanship of Maheshwor Neupane, Secretary of Ministry of Home Affairs, at Singhadurbar, decided to facilitate availability of food supplies, LP Gas, milk, vegetables and fruits through mobilisation of delivery vans.  

The meeting also directed Metropolitan police range to manage security for operation of stores providing essential supplies. The vehicle pass for delivery vans would be provided by concerned District Administration Office (DAO).

Kedarnath Sharma, Spokesperson of the Ministry, said that toll-free or other phone numbers will be provided to each food stores and shops to manage collection of consumers' demands and distribution of food supplies.

Sharma said that in places having access to internet, the orders would be taken online and goods would be delivered accordingly.

The meeting directed all Rural Municipalities and Municipalities to ease the demand and supply of food products and other essential services.

Also, the ministry instructed DAOs of all 77 districts, local levels and police offices to make transportation and supply of essentials goods and services outside the valley easy and effective.

The meeting also decided to take a strong action against those involved in black marketing of essential goods during the time of crisis.

The ministry has urged everyone to call at 1149 (Toll-free number) to register complaint against black marketing, illegal storages of goods in demand and illegitimate price hikes.