DC says it vindicates admin’s regulation order
United News of India
Srinagar, Apr 12: Reacting to reports that a NGO head, who didn’t adhere to norms, tested positive for COVID-19, Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar, Shahid Iqbal Choudhary on Sunday said this should settle a lot of controversy on social media about intentions of administration behind regulation of NGOs in present circumstances.
Meanwhile, Dr Shahid has banned circulation of photos and videos showing distribution of relief on the social media sites.
”We are sorry to learn about NGO head testing positive for COVID. Travel history traced. This should settle a lot of controversy on social media about intentions of adm behind regulation of NGOs in present circumstances,” Dr Shahid wrote on his micro-blogging site twitter.
The district administration said the development has multiplied the problems of authorities and out the community at risk. ”These precautions about distribution were notified with a reason & vision. An NGO member not adhering to norms has tested positive. That multiplies our problems and puts community at risk. Please cooperate,” the official twitter handle of Srinagar district administration wrote.
The order issued by DC Srinagar said under powers vested in him under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, it is ordered that nobody will upload photos or videos of relief distribution on the social media sites.
He said that only designated essential and emergency service officials would be allowed to enter areas declared as containment zones.
The DC Srinagar said continuing its efforts against COVID-19 spread, Srinagar City has been divided into 25 Administration Zones with joint teams of several departments. ”1000 teams comprised of Medical, Revenue, SMC, Census, Election, ICDS staff would conduct door-to-door surveillance. Request people to extend cooperation,” he added.
The Srinagar administration on Saturday issued guidelines for further regulation of operations of NGOs involved in relief efforts in this summer capital, where 14 areas have been declared as ‘Containment Zones’ after several positive cases of COVID-19 were reported from these localities.
Dr Shahid, who is also the Chairman District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), issued instructions for further regulation of operations of NGOs involved in relief efforts in Srinagar. ”Further regulation of operations of NGOs comes in the wake of declaration of various areas – 14 as of now – as containment zones after several positive cases of COVID-19 were reported from there,” he said.
The circular containing this additional set of instructions states that areas declared as containment zones will have strictly restricted entry. It states that only designated essential and emergency services officials will be allowed to enter these areas in strict compliance with all stated guidelines and precautions.
It states that operations of NGOs and distribution of relief items in these as well as other areas will be in strict coordination with the NGO Cell of the DDMA. It states that two KAS officers along with the supporting staff have been deputed for the purpose to ensure strict adherence to all guidelines issued from time to time.
The circular states that Additional District Magistrate (SQ) will keep details of all families or persons earmarked to NGOs for provision of relief items and ensure equitable distribution in all areas and avoidance of duplication thereof. It directs that neither government agencies nor NGOs must circulate photographs or videos of distribution of food or other relief items on social media.
