Assist with CM's Relief Fund: CPI
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 05 2020:
Deeply concerned with the 'huge' fare charged from stranded people who were brought back from Guwahati recently, Manipur State Council CPI, secretary L Sotinkumar has appealed Government to assist the people concerned with the CM's COVID-19 Relief Fund.
Speaking to media persons at the party's office at Irawat Bhawan, L Sotinkumar said that the Government should use the CM's COVID-19 Relief Fund to cover the expenses and fare of the stranded people.
The report that people who were brought back from Guwahati recently have been charged Rs 3,000 (per person) as fare is appalling, he said adding that the CM's relief fund should cover the expenses of bringing back stranded State natives.
If people brought back from Guwahati are charged Rs 3,000, then those stranded in far away cities such as Delhi will be facing a much steeper fare.
Stranded people are facing all kinds of hardship due to the lockdown.
The fare of bringing them home should not further burden them, he said.
Even though Manipur has been COVID-19 free after two patients recovered, the disease cannot be taken lightly.
Government and all its machinery concerned should take up extreme precautions to avoid and contain possible spread of the disease.
Government should ensure that all stranded people brought back from coronavirus hit States undergo tests and follow all preventive measures and care, he said.
Hinting that households in Manipur lack facilities for effective home quarantine, he opined that the State Government should keep those brought back in Government designated quarantine centres for 15 days for strict monitoring.
State Government should also open a COVID-19 insurance policy for frontline warriors.
Healthcare workers including ASHA, security personnel, media persons, newspaper hawkers and drivers should be covered by the insurance to provide security as well as boost their morals, he said.
On education sector, he said that the departments concerned should strictly facilitate e-learning.
Government should consider opening of book shops following strict maintenance of social/physical distancing to benefit students, he added.
Sotinkumar also appealed Government and authorities concerned to strictly monitor and effect midday meal scheme for school children and ensure that the meals are delivered at doorsteps.
Acknowledging that the lockdown has cut off source of income for majority of people, he appealed schools not to charge fees for the duration of the lockdown.
Meanwhile, Manipur State Council, CPI observed the 202nd birth anniversary of Karl Marx at Mantrikhong in Langthabal.
Floral tributes were paid to the photo of Karl Marx during the event hosted by Langthabal Local Council CPI.
Veteran party leader Dr M Nara, State secretary L Sotinkumar, assistant State secretary Khangjrakpam Surchandra, Loumi Lup president Nongthombam Singhajit, Yendrembam Mangi, L Premjit and others attended the event.
A book - "Karl Marx-ki punsi amadi Wakhallon" written by L Sotinkumar was also released at the event.