Let's fight and win the war against COVID-19 : CM
Source: IT News

Imphal, April 09 2020: Chief Minister N Biren appealed to the people of the State to fight collectively and win the war against coronavirus.

This was stated by him in a video message to the people of the State today.

Seeking the support and cooperation of the people, Chief Minister said that saving the lives of people is the top-priority of the government at this hour of pandemic.

The government is fully prepared to fight the coronavirus, he added.

He maintained that the government has enough stock of medical equipment such as PPEs, 3-layer masks, N-95 masks, hand sanitizers, hand gloves, non-contact thermometers, sodium hypochlorite etc.

Let's fight and win the war against COVID-19 : CM

Considering the current situation of the disease in the country, Chief Minister hinted that the ongoing nationwide lockdown must be extended for some days to check the spread of COVID-19 in the country.

He opined that as the disease is highly contagious, we must take utmost precautionary measures to stop further spread of the disease.

Till now, the State has received four consignments of medical equipments and essential medicines from the Ministry of Health and family Welfare, Government of India under the supervision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, he added.

Acknowledging the talents and potential of the doctors, nurses and paramedical staffs of the State, Chief Minister appreciated the team of the JNIMS, Imphal who have treated the first COVID-19 patient of the State successfully.

He expressed his gratitude over the team for their tireless work and announced that the government would give a cash reward of Rs 35 lakhs to the team.

He thanked Dr.Uthan, Dr.Manojkumar who volunteered and led the team to treat the patient at JNIMS.

Chief Minister also stated that the government is actively considering to provide cash incentives or awards to those who are working at the frontline.

Clarifying about the proposed construction of a quarantine center at Langthabal, he stated that the government had called off the construction as many clubs and individuals have raised their discontent over the construction at the site.

He assured that the government is committed to construct a dedicated quarantine center at an undisputed land.

Stating some of the recent measures taken up by the government, he mentioned that the State Cabinet has decided that upto Rs 25 lakhs can be used in each Assembly Constituency under MLALAD fund for COVID-19 related expenses as one time measure for supply of essential commodities, protective gear like mask, sanitizers, drinking water etc.

Under the fair price shop system, 2-3 shops in each district will be identified for district level supply of PDS rice, he added.

The Chief Minister informed that ex-gratia for around 62,000 beneficiaries under Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme, Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme and Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme amounting to around Rs 310 lakhs has been released.

Manipur Old Age Pension Scheme for 12 months amounting to around Rs 11 crores and Manipur Old Age Pension selected through 'Go to Village' amounting to around Rs 2.5 crores will be released soon.

CMST scholarship for 110 students with disability for a duration of one year will be released.

CMST- caregiver allowance to 4,879 persons with disability amounting to Rs 5.85 crores has been released by the government.

.NBiren Singh also appealed to the people to stop posting any message or videos on social media which can incite communal tension in the State at this hour of grief.

On the occasion, Chief Minister informed that the Centre has given its nod for the setting up of a State Medical College at Churachandpur.