Joykisan proposes LADF cut to mitigate oxygen crisis
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, May 15 2021:
Expressing concern over the increasing Covid-19 crisis and shortage of hospital beds and oxygen, Thangmeiband MLA Kh Joykisan has proposed to the state government for convening a special one-day session of the state assembly to discuss the situation and deduct Rs 20 lakh each from the 60 MLAs to acquire sufficient oxygen.
In a video clipping released to media, the MLA said that he is well aware of the initiatives taken up by chief minister N Biren for fighting against Covid-19.However, the pandemic is taking its toll in the society with ever increasing number of positive patients leading to shortage of beds and oxygen.
One hospital had even issued public notification informing that they will no longer accept admission of new patients due to shortage of oxygen.
Amid such situation, many people are dying every day due to Covid thereby creating a fear psychosis among the people.
There can be no denial that the state government is facing fund constraints, he said, while proposing deduction of Rs 20 lakh each from the local area development fund of all the MLAs in order to accumulate some fund to fill up oxygen shortage to some extent.
His proposal could easily contribute a fund of Rs 12 crore in the fight against Covid.
Local area development fund is meant for the welfare of the public and there will be no problem if this fund is used for buying oxygen for the public, Joykisan said.
He then urged the government to convene a special one-day session of the state assembly, which can be held by observing social distancing, with Covid as the only agenda in order to discuss the situation and chalk out a clear-cut path for fighting the pandemic.
He also said that it is time for the public representatives to join hands for the public while keeping aside their political differences.
He further proposed to the government to utilise the earmarked fund for foreign tour and internal tour for MLAs, in the fight against Covid and provide incentives to the frontline workers including police and other security forces.
It is time political parties to share constructive suggestions and stand united against the pandemic, he said.
Joykisan went on to say that he came across a statement of a minister's wife offering help if anybody is facing hunger.
Though her intention is laudable, one should know that the Manipuri society lives with a certain prestige and one does not easily come out and show their hunger.
As such, Joykisan suggested her to come out and help as many people as possible during the crisis.
The deputy CM and his party can also offer help in one district.
Similarly, former chief minister Okram Ibobi can offer help to Thoubal district.
He had also offered to provide free meal to inmates of RD Wing CCCC but the government did not approve his proposal, Joykisan added.
He then appealed to the state government to consult the Governor over his proposal for convening a special assembly session.
Joykisan also expressed condolence over the demise of BJP Manipur Pradesh president professor S Tiken-dra and Manipur State Social Welfare Board chairperson Phurailatpam Satyabhama.