No Need To Panic, Essential Services, Supplies Will Continue: LG To People 

Jammu: Lieutenant Governor, Girish Chandra Murmu today appealed to the people of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir to observe the 21-day lockdown earnestly to break the transmission chain and contribute in the fight against the spread of deadly    COVID-19.

In a recorded message, the Lt Governor observed that the UT Administration has taken various steps for containing the virus, like stopping Inter-State Bus service, setting up of isolation ward for the patients and their treatment, imposing Section 144 of CrPC, besides taking various precautionary measures for the people coming from outside, for their screening and establishing quarantine centres.

“Hon’ble Prime Minister has sought cooperation of the people during the 21-day All India lockdown. The people of J&K must also follow the lockdown to overcome this deadly virus, which has the capability to spread exponentially”, he added.

He appealed to the public to stay at home and be cautious. Essential services and supplies would be available and elaborate arrangements have been made for that. Healthcare is the priority of the Administration at this crucial time and every possible step would be taken to ensure the safety and good health of the people of J&K, he maintained.

The Lt Governor said that the advance ration for two months-April and May would be issued to all eligible consumers. Besides, one month’s ration for Mid-Day Meals would also be given in advance to all parents of eligible children. Divisional Commissioners and Deputy Commissioners have been asked to ensure the availability of essential commodities and funds have been allocated for the same, he added.

He further appealed to the people not to venture out unless it is absolutely necessary. People should observe ‘Social Distancing’, as it is the key to stop and prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The Lt Governor urged the people to share their travel history for their own safety and the safety of others. He expressed his gratitude to health workers, medical staff, officials of essential services, Police and CAPF personnel who are associated with Corona prevention efforts and are continuously working, without worrying about their own well-being to save precious lives.

The Lt Governor urged the people of J&K to adhere to the advisories issued by the Government and follow the lockdown by staying at home to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Approves Series Of Measures For Poor, Needy

Jammu: The Lt Governor G C Murmu approved a series of proposals to provide support to the needy and destitute in the light of the extraordinary situation caused by the ongoing Corona pandemic and the consequent lockdown. The move is expected to benefit nearly 35 lakh people including organised and un-organised workers, daily wagers, pension holders and ordinary citizens.

The LG directed the Labour & Employment department to release Rs 1000 to each of the 3.50 lakh workers registered with Building & Other Construction Workers Welfare Board for purchase of ration during the 21 days lockdown period. The department was also directed to ask the ESIC to ensure that all the 2.26 lakh unorganised sector workers registered under ESIC scheme are extended with the relief/compensation including wages through ESIC hospitals/employers as directed by the Central government.

The Social Welfare department was directed to release immediately two installments of old age, disability and family pension to all the 7.7 lakh pensioners. The department would also additionally cover the 1.7 lakh pending cases thereby ensuring 100% coverage of all eligible cases.

The LG also directed the Finance department to request the banks to honour requests for overdraft by Jan Dhan account holders. This decision would help nearly 22 lakh Jan Dhan account holders.

In a major relief to contractors and other categories, it was directed that bills for all authorized works and approved procurements which could not be presented before March 31 due to the ongoing situation would be entertained in the next financial year as well.

These decisions were in addition to the decisions already taken yesterday by the Administrative Council under the Chairmanship of the Lt Governor whereby a number of relief measures including two month ration under PDS, one month’s advance ration under Mid-Day meal, ration packets for slum dwellers and destitutes and Rs 45 crores for management of COVID-19 under Disaster Response Fund had been approved.

Related Articles