CM Capt Amarinder Singh hints at relaxations in some areas
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, April 28
Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh today indicated that the state government could give certain relaxations, while taking all precautions, based on the report of the expert committee on post-lockdown strategy.
‘Withdraw cut on shrivelled grain’
Chandigarh: Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh on Tuesday sought immediate withdrawal of the value cuts imposed by the Centre on farmers, while allowing relaxation in specifications of shrivelled grain and lustre loss, caused by unseasonal rains in the state. In a letter to PM Narendra Modi, Capt Amarinder expressed shock over the heavy value cuts imposed on the MSP, which was further burdening the farmers. tns
The Chief Minister today discussed the ongoing situation with party MLAs through videoconferencing. There was largely a consensus among the MLAs to continue with the strictness for another couple of weeks with limited relaxation in certain areas. They were also of the view that not just state borders, but also of districts and villages should remain sealed. Covid-19 patients should be treated within their own district to limit outside contact and exposure, they opined, advising extreme caution in lifting restrictions.
The Chief Minister urged the MLAs to set an example by taking all precautions while executing their public responsibilities.
Jakhar suggested allowing industries in rural areas to operate at night to prevent workers from socialising. He suggested classification of Covid zones at the village level to ensure better management of relaxations as and when announced.
The issue of shortage of testing facilities, ventilators and relief ration kits were raised by many MLAs with Pathankot’s Amit Vij and Bhoa’s Joginder Pal calling for more sampling. They also suggested that books should be made available to government school students, as they were not being able to attend online classes, with many of them belonging to underprivileged sections.
Gurdaspur’s Barindermeet Singh Pahra said testing facilities should be made available at the district level. The Chief Minister said the state was trying to procure approval for testing at GADVASU and PAU. Underlining the need to increase testing, Health Minister Balbir Singh Sidhu said since PPE use became difficult in summer season, the department was exploring the option of building kiosks for testing. Rana Gurjeet Singh (Kapurthala) sought health insurance cover for the mediapersons and contractual/temporary safai workers working on the frontline.
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