Rio
• Rs 2.32 Cr from CMFR distributed
• Farming activities need to continue
• Appeals for support to those in the frontlines
KOHIMA, APRIL 16 (MExN): Nagaland Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio today assured that the State Government and all its agencies are “working tirelessly” with active cooperation of the people and the civil societies in combating the challenge of the present global pandemic.
With regard to the one positive case from Dimapur, the CM in a press release, informed that till now, 1,391 persons have been interviewed and screened and 52 close contacts have been traced. The samples of co-passengers of the flight in which the affected person travelled are also being tested. The CM assured that all efforts are being made by the government to ensure fool proof containment.
He further informed that the government has extended cooked food and dry rations to more than 79,000 stranded persons, daily wagers, migrant labourers and other needy persons. More help is being planned for such people, Rio added.
The Chief Minister stated that the welfare of people from Nagaland stranded outside the State is being looked after by a Cell headed by a Nodal Officer. They are also being provided help from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (CMRF) through various organisations.
Meanwhile, out of Rs 2.95 crore donated in the CMRF including opening balance, an amount of Rs 2.32 crore has been disbursed to Deputy Commissioners, Nagaland Houses and other organizations. All details are regularly posted on the website chiefminister.nagaland.gov.in, the CM stated.
In addition, the CM stated that the State Government had already set up a control room at the Directorate of Health & Family Welfare as well as inter departmental state level control room at the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority.Now, in view of the current evolving situation, a State Level War Room against COVID-19 has also been made functional in the Nagaland Civil Secretariat headed by the Chief Secretary and this control centre is working round the clock as a single point to address all issues and matters related to the present situation.
The Chief Minister thanked all sections of society for their support and adherence to the lockdown measures.
“Because of the essential and urgent nature, certain activities like farming are exempt and need to be carried out even during the lock down period. This happens to be the sowing season and our farmers while maintaining social distancing should carry out the farming activities without fail. All concerned should ensure that there is no hindrance to the farming activity,” the Chief Minister appealed.
He further said that the State Government is taking all measures to further improve preparedness to fight the COVID 19 and stated: “we are certainly better prepared now than a few weeks ago though a lot more needs to be done.”
“I am personally supervising the preparations and the Cabinet Ministers and Advisors and even opposition MLAs are contributing their bit to reach out to the districts. Our health workers, doctors, police personnel, municipal staff and the entire government machinery is working at the risk of their life and they need all our help and support,” he said.
He therefore appealed to all citizens, tribal hohos, civil societies and elected representatives to help the government in these difficult times.
“While constructive criticism and suggestions are most welcome, it is my humble appeal to avoid pointing fingers at each other so as not to demoralise the people fighting in the forefront of this battle,” the CM urged.
He expressed confidence that with the support of the people and the collective team work of all sections, “we will prevail over this challenge.”
