CHANDIGARH, APRIL 2
Governor of Punjab and Administrator Chandigarh, V P Singh Badnore along with Adviser Sh. Manoj Parida and other senior officials took the daily review in War Room, UT Secretariat of the arrangements being made in the present situation.
The Administrator informed that the Hon’ble Prime Minister in the Video Conference earlier today, has appealed to all the citizens to strictly follow the lockdown instructions of the government so that the spread of infection can be successfully contained.
The Prime Minister concentrated on maintaining supply chain of essentials including groceries, vegetables and milk. He expressed that special care of senior citizens and Divyangs be taken in the present situation. The Chandigarh Administration will comply with all the directions received from the Hon’ble Prime Minister.
Thereafter, the Administrator took a detailed review of the arrangements that have been made by the Administration.
The Administrator was also informed that necessary arrangements between three hospitals i.e PGIMER, GMCH-32 and GMSH-16 have been made. The neighboring states have been requested not to send any patients without consultation and consent of PGI. This has been decided to ensure that PGIMER, which has been declared as a dedicated Covid Wing (Nehru Extension) can devote its full energy and resources to fight against corona. Further, Dr Jagat Ram, Director, PGIMER clarified that there is no shortage of funds for medicines and equipments in PGIMER.
The Finance Secretary, A K Sinha stated that all arrangements have been made for smooth withdrawal of money by women beneficiaries of Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) while maintaining social distancing. The credit of money into the women beneficiary account holder under PMJDY has been staggered based on the last digit of the mobile number (Refer attached letter for details)
The Commissioner, Municipal Corporation Chandigarh K K Yadav stated the POTA- CABIN ration shops have been opened in Maloya for the benefit of residents. Further, in addition to the existing 8 companies which are doing home delivery essential items, Swiggy has also been permitted to distribute groceries, vegetables etc in Chandigarh. He also explained about Mandi decongestion plan and the same was appreciated by the Administrator.
The Deputy Commissioner Mandip Singh Brar informed that 43569 food packets were distributed yesterday in Chandigarh. Moreover, nine permanent langars have been started in different parts of the city through mobile vans. Several social organizations have come forward to assist the administration. The Administrator advised the officers to involve voluntary organizations, charitable agencies and public in various operation.
The Director General of Police Sanjay Baniwal stated that all efforts are been made to ensure the compliance of the instructions and at present the situation is peaceful in Chandigarh. The Administrator directed to ensure that supply lines including vehicles carrying essential items, empty vehicles after unloading shouldn’t be stopped by police. The police authorities should ensure that operator of 9 companies providing groceries vegetables and milk should not be harassed. He also informed that arrangements have been made to counsel the stranded labour in camps setup by the Chandigarh Administration.
The Administrator desired that the medical consultation through video calls may also be introduced in our city. He desired that the name and schedule of doctors be published so that patients can avail this facility without crowding the hospital in case of non-serious cases. Manoj Parida, Adviser, UT informed that telecom operators have been directed to track the location of quarantine people. In case of any violation, strict action will be taken by the Administration under the law. He also mentioned that master list of volunteers will be prepared by Administration where NCC, NSS, retired official, Voluntary agencies and other people willing to help administration will be benrolled. They will be invited to fight against the COVID19, if and when required.The meeting was attended to by the Adviser, Manoj Parida, Director General of Police, Director, PGIMER, Finance Secretary, Commissioner, MC, Deputy Commissioner and Additional Commissioner, MC. The Governor also interacted with Deputy Commissioner Panchkula, Director Health Services and Director Principal, GMCH through Video Conferencing.