Speed Post News Network
New Delhi : Union Home Minister (HM) Amit Shah on April 18, 2020, reviewed the situation of the COVID-19 epidemic in the country with senior officers of the Ministry. The Home Minister directed them to discuss with States the relaxations in lockdown restrictions to be applicable from April 20, 2020, and control COVID-19 epidemic.
The Home Minister said that India is still fighting a battle with Corona under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi so the applicable lockdown restrictions as well as national directives should be followed scrupulously. Reviewing the situation, the HM said that while certain activities are being permitted in those areas which do not fall within hot-spots/clusters/containment zones, due caution has to be exercised to ensure that only genuine exemptions/relaxations are given.
In order to give a boost to the rural economy, certain economic activities have been permitted in rural areas. Accordingly, DMs/DCs, in collaboration with industries, should make arrangements to transfer labourers to their place of work within the State. Modi government believes that on one hand, this will give a fillip to economic activity and on the other, provide employment to the labourers, according to a PIB release.
Similarly, States should give attention to operationalise big industrial units, industrial estates and industrial complexes, especially where the labourers can be accommodated within the complex. Such activities can help trigger economic revival, while ensuring that the labourers are provided gainful employment. DMs/DCs should also explore the possibility of providing labourers employment through agriculture as well as MGNREGA activities, Shah said.
In respect of the labourers who continue to stay at relief camps, greater attention should be paid to the their welfare, including quality of meals being provided to them. While it is understandable that the situation is challenging, the issue can be addressed.
Shah said that now that community-based testing is being taken up through medical teams, States should take special care to ensure that each medical team is provided security. Before the team goes for testing in the community, the ground work in the community can be done by activating the peace committee and involving responsible community leaders, who can assuage the fear and confusion amongst the people with respect to testing, treatment and other aspects of COVID-19, he added.
Patrolling in rural areas should be increased to monitor compliance with national directives to fight COVID-19. DMs/DCs can draw upon police, panchayat officials, revenue officials etc. to help monitor the compliance.