Prez, VP deliberate COVID-19 challenges with Governors

    27-Mar-2020
NEW DELHI, Mar 27: President Ram Nath Kovind along with Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu held a video-conference with all Governors, Lieutenant Governors and Administrators of all States and Union Territories to find ways to complement the efforts of the Central Government and State Governments in meeting the challenges arising from the outbreak of COVID-19.
The President began the conference by exhorting the collective strength of the society and urged Governors, LGs and Administrators to mobilize volunteers of Indian Red Cross Society, voluntary and religious organisations to contain the menace at the earliest, said a press statement of PIB.
In the video-conference, 14 Governors and Delhi Lt Governor were shortlisted to share experiences in their territories as these areas have been worst affected by the pandemic.
The discussions related to the status of COVID-19 in the States, role of the Red Cross with focus on vulnerable sections and the role of civil  society/voluntary organisations in complementing the efforts of the Union and State Governments to contain the spread of novel Coronavirus, especially with the lockdown and other challenges emerging from the evolving situation.
The video conference began with Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshiyari outlining measures initiated by the State administration to combat the pandemic.
Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan lauded the role of Government, voluntary organisations, medical professionals, paramedics and the police to act in coordinated manner to persuade people to maintain social distancing in Kerala. 1800 retired doctors and MBBS students in the State have enlisted with the State Government to volunteer with their services if the need arises. 375 Psychologists also roped in to give advice to those who find quarantine as difficult phase in their lives.
Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala extolled the collective strength of the society to fight the menace. Almost 8000 Red Cross Society volunteers in the State are working to spread awareness about the disease.
Satyadeo Narayan Arya, Haryana Governor said that the State was fully prepared to meet all challenges while Lt Governor of Delhi Anil Baijal said that the State Government and all other agencies are working in perfect coordination to enforce the lockdown and yet mitigate people’s problems.
Gujarat Governor Acharya Dev Vrat said that quarantine facilities in the State were being augmented. Social awakening programmes have been initiated through media to motivate people to follow guidelines.
Governor of Telangana Dr Tamilisai Soundararajan informed that necessary steps are being taken in the State. She said that the State is extensively using social media to spread awareness. She also informed that Raj Bhavan has also taken steps to provide food to about 800 needy families living near to Raj Bhavan.
West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar- informed that Universities in the State are ready to be utilised in case of need. Further, Red Cross has been doing an excellent job in educating people about deleterious impact of the disease, within the limitations of their resources.
Himachal Governor Bandaru Dattatraya said that the Red Cross society has been working round the clock to help out people in the State.
Bihar Governor Phagu Chauhan talked about Bihar’s proximity to international border that makes the state rather vulnerable to spread of the disease. He however praised the manner in which the Bihar Government has been acting to contain the Coronavirus. The Red Cross in the State has also been using its volunteers to spread awareness and its ambulances are available for use by District authorities.
Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit informed that efforts are in place to look after construction workers by providing them rice, dal etc and added that all rice ration card holders under PDS will be given Rs 1000 in cash. Amma canteens are being used to provide subsidized food.
Madhya Pradesh Governor Lal Ji Tandon praised the quick response of the MP State administration. The State has taken measures to ensure that food is made available to daily wagers. He also informed that the Red Cross has been doing appreciable work in the State.
Punjab Governor and Administrator of Chandigarh V P Singh Badnore informed that Red Cross has been helping to supply food packets in Chandigarh while necessary steps are being taken by Punjab and Chandigarh to tackle the challenge posed by COVID-19. Rajasthan Governor Kalraj Mishra, informed that a fund has been created to enable people to make donations. President Kovind urged everyone to hold regular stock-taking with the State Government and make contributions in a way that the battle again the Coronavirus could be taken to a logical end.