Letpao takes vaccination drive to Khengjoi
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR

Imphal, July 12 2021: Water Resources and YAS Minister Letpao Haokip conducted a two-day tour of the remote areas of Khengjoi sub-division of Chandel district to inspect and supervise the mass vaccination and awareness programmes on COVID-19 .

He opined that village chieftains have a huge role to play in raising awareness to the hilly villagers on vaccination, and also for streamlining the Government institutions in remote hill areas.

On Sunday, a mass vaccination cum awareness drive was held at Khangbarol village.

DC Chandel M Rajkumar, SP Chandel L Deben Singh, SDO Khengjoi L Herojit, village chiefs and student and civil body representatives also took part in the programme.

Addressing the drive, Letpao said that getting oneself vaccinated is the most effective way to remain Covid free as of now.

One should not doubt the benefits of this vaccine and should not believe in misinformation and rumours that discourage vaccination, he added.

He further appreciated the full-hearted initiative of the district administration, Chandel, for carrying out a mass drive that targets 100% vaccination of the district.

Letpao is also the Chairman of the District Review Committee for fighting Covid pandemic.

The Minister also expressed that it is high time for all the Government offices and institutions in hill areas to be streamlined as irresponsible and unprofessional Government employees have been shirking their duties.

This trend defeated the purpose of setting up such offices, thereby affecting the efficiency of administration and delivering services, he added.

Letpao also urged the village chieftains of the remote areas not to allow and agree on such 'mutual arrangement' of rendering services by 'substitute' employees, especially in schools and health centres.

Health and education are the most basic spheres of a society and should not be compromised, he said, and added that schools and PHCs/PHSCs should always work with full staff.

The Minister also appealed to the hill people not to indulge in poppy cultivation, and instead find a viable alternative livelihood means.

Many schemes of different departments, especially the Horticulture and Soil Conservation-related schemes are there, Letpao said and assured that he will ensure such benefits reach the farmers.

Later, Letpao Haokip distributed rice to all the households of the village.

Chandel DC Rajkumar also appealed to the villagers to get vaccinated to defeat the pandemic.

Earlier on Saturday afternoon, Letpao also visited Joldam village and urged the locals to get vaccinated.

The mass vaccination drive at Khengjoi sub-division is being carried out by 4 teams under the leadership of the DC, and is aiming to cover all the nook and corner of the sub-division over a span of 8 days.

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