Chennai: With the ‘e-pass for all’ scheme coming into effect from this morning, people who went to their native places when Covid-19 spread was rampant in Chennai started coming back to the city.
According to sources, with the impact of the pandemic coming down in the metropolis and with workplaces resuming operations, people in various districts of the State applied for e-pass this morning and wasted no time in reaching the city as soon as they got it.
Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami announced latte last week that from Monday, e-passes will be approved for anyone who needs it for important purposes.
Earllier, e-passes could be applied only for purposes like medical emergencies, deaths and weddings. The State government has, however, clarified that the relaxation applies only for those wanting e-passes for inter-district travel within Tamilnadu. For those coming in from other States and countries, the existing norms will continue to apply.
“I have ordered issuance of e-passes without any delay to all applicants to travel across the State from 17 August based on submission of Aadhaar/ration card details along with telephone/mobile numbers,” Palaniswami said in a statement, adding that people should use e-passes responsibly and avoid unnecessary travel.
Notably, Tamilnadu is apparently the only State where e-passes are needed for inter-district travel.