NEW DELHI: Delhi Police will allow newspaper vendors to distribute papers from 4 am to 9am daily and help them if they face any problem. In an order issued on Saturday, the police asked all their field functionaries to ensure that delivery of newspapers was not blocked. The order has been sent to all deputy commissioners of police. “It has been reported that at many places, newspaper agents or distributors are being blocked from distributing newspapers,” said the order. “The field functionaries be instructed to allow the newspaper vendors (to distribute papers).”

Delhi Police spokesperson Mandeep Singh Randhawa said beat constables have been asked to keep a record of the newspaper vendors and facilitate their movement

On Saturday, the police also enabled people to apply for curfew passes online through the Delhi Police website. The application form has been uploaded in the citizen’s service section of the Delhi Police website. The user has to upload his ID proof and purpose of visit to Delhi through the form which will be scrutinised and a pass issued after that. Police officers said that the suppliers of essential goods should fill an online form for getting the passes. They have to upload a scanned copy of their identity card and a photograph and fill in their personal details, including the name of the company they work for.

The passes will be issued under two categories. One will be for individuals having personal emergencies like visiting a doctor or buying essentials while the other will be for delivery personnel supplying essential goods. The police said that movement passes will be required only for persons coming into the city from outside.

The cops added that one can make multiple applications online through a single login ID. Two SMSes will be sent to the applicant, one after receiving the application and the other after the application is processed. A senior officer explained that the application will be accepted only if it is found that the reason behind applying for the pass is genuine. “We appeal to the general public to stay at home and not apply for the movement pass if they are not engaged in providing essential services. The application will be rejected in these cases,” said the senior cop