Governor Bandaru Dattatraya participated in the Digital Video Conference held between Rashtrapati Bhavan and Raj Bhawan here today. President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind addressed the Governors and Lt. Governors of States, Administrators of all the States and Union Territories from his office at Rashtrapati Bhawan, New Delhi and interacted with them on COVID-19 and preparedness, initiatives of the States.
KEY POINTS MENTIONED IN THE OPENING REMARKS by the President of India and the Vice President during the VC with Governors today.
The package of Rs 1 lakh 70 thousand crores announced by the FM should reach the people in time bound manner.
Poor and needy should not suffer. No one should go hungry.
Essential supplies be maintained.
Community Kitchens and Medicine Supplies be started through the Red Cross.
NGOs and Religious and Charitable organizations be involved.
Migrant labour be helped.
Ask people to spend time at Home by reading books, yoga, spiritual activities
Mobile vending services for home delivery through designated vendors should be started.
CONCLUDING REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT
The Governors should monitor the situation and guide and advise the State Governments regularly.
The Governors may speak to the Chief Minister every day or once in two days to take stock of the situation.
If possible a weekly Review Meeting may be held at Raj Bhawan where the CM, the CS and other important functionaries (if needed) may discuss the situation and preparedness with the Hon’ble Governors.
On the occasion, the Governor Shri Dattatraya said that the situation of COVID 19 was under control in Himachal Pradesh and he was also reviewing the situation regularly. He was in constant touch with the Chief Minister, Chief Secretary, Health Secretary and other officials and the work was being done with full coordination, he said and added that all instructions given by the Central Government from time to time were being fully implemented. He said that he has reviewed the arrangements through teleconference with Deputy Commissioners and other officials of the state and has given appropriate guidelines. He said that in the time of this crisis, suggestions have been made to the government regarding issues of tribal people in particular, which was being implemented. Necessary steps have been taken to ensure supply of food grains and other materials in those areas, he added.Shri Dattatraya said that he has given proper directions to the authorities after reviewing the arrangements of the government in the industrial areas of the state. They have been asked to maintain proper arrangements for ration, medicines, food, and water in industrial areas, he added. He said that in all, 2248 people who returned from outside the country have been quarantined and they are under observation. Of these, 633 people were ASYMPTOMATIC who have completed the 28 day QUARANTINE period. 184 people have left the state. A total of 130 people have been tested in the state till March 26, out of which 133 were found negative and three found positive. At present, 1422 people in the state are in QUARANTINE. He said that there has been one death on 23rd March, 2020 due to this epidemic in the state so far, which was a 68 year old Tibetian who came from USA. Necessary action was being taken by identifying all its contacts, he briefed. He added that supply of all essential services was being ensured in the state and adequate stocks of ration were available. He said that in health institutions - medical colleges and district hospitals - isolation wards have been made.The Governor said that necessary guidelines have also been given to State and district level Red Cross societies. All the branches and volunteers of Red Cross has been asked to work under the guidance of Deputy Commissioners, he added and said that Red Cross were providing food, water, medicines etc. to the poor and needy people in the districts. He said that Red Cross Societies have also started the work of making masks, protective gear, etc. in collaboration with voluntary organizations at the district level, which were useful for medical associates and cleaning personnel.Secretary to Governor Rakesh Kanwar, Officers of Raj Bhavan and NIC officials were present on the occasion.