In view of the lockdown in the state, the Punjab government have authorised the Sarpanches to issue curfew passes to villagers in their jurisdiction for medical emergencies during the night (from 7 pm to 6 am). Deputy Commissioner Pradeep Kumar Agrawal informed that Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Punjab, Mr Satish Chandra have conveyed that the pass or authorisation will be supported with photo ID card/Aadhaar Card. One attendant can accompany the patient, however against a separate authorisation/pass. He said that the pass will be valid only for the night and for day time the passes would be issued by the District Administration. He clarified that the pass will be valid from point to point.He informed that the Chief Minister has permitted Municipal Bodies to buy medicines and food for the daily wagers and people from financially weaker sections of society, as well as fodder for Gaushalas out of Municipal funds at their disposal. The Municipal Corporation Ludhiana has been authorised Rs 1 lakh daily and a total of Rs 20 lakh for entire lockdown period, class A Municipal Committees Rs. 25,000 daily and Rs 5 lakh for entire lockdown period, while class B, C Municipal Committees and Nagar Panchayats Rs. 15,000 daily and Rs 2.5 lakh for entire lockdown period.
He further informed that the Rural Development & Panchayats Department Punjab have also asked the gram panchayats to provide food and medicines to the daily wage labourers and needy persons from economically weaker sections of society residing in their respective villages. He informed that in view of the lockdown in the state, such persons are facing difficulties in taking care of their families.The Rural Development & Panchayats Department Punjab have also empowered the Gram Panchayats to spend up to Rs 5,000 daily and a maximum of Rs 50,000 during entire lockdown from their own income for providing food and medicines to daily wage labourers and needy persons from economically weaker sections of society residing in their respective villages.The Deputy Commissioner informed that entire record of the expenditure would be maintained by the Gram Panchayat such as Aadhaar card number of the beneficiary, details of kind of benefits given, bills and voucher numbers.He assured that the District Administration is keeping a close watch on the entire situation and maximum help is being provided to the residents of District Ludhiana.