In view of the current COVID-19 crisis,Baghel suggested to extend ban on inter-state road, air and rail facilities
Demand for Economic Package from Central Government for MSME Sector Industries
Emphasizes on the need to have more samples taken and tested to prevent COVID-19 infection Mr
Raipur 11 April 2020. Chief Minister Mr. Bhupesh Baghel has urged the Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi that in this duration of lockdown, permission should be given to carry out economic activities within the states. Mr. Baghel further suggested that maximum number of samples be taken to prevent coronavirus infection. He also emphasized on the need to continue the ban on inter-state road, air and rail facilities, in view of the current status of corona crisis. Mr. Baghel made the above suggestions in the video conferencing of Chief Ministers of all states, called by Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi, to review the status of Corona virus infection in various parts of the country.
Chief Minister Mr. Baghel also urged the Prime Minister that the number of PPE kits should be increased and testing facilities should also be expanded. He also suggested that Central University examinations should be postponed or taken online. Chief Minister Mr. Baghel said that lack of clear instructions in the guidelines set by the Central Government for the purchase of test kits is creating confusion. Clear guidelines are required in this regard. He said that the MSME sector in the state is constantly demanding economic package. Due to the extended period of lockdown, the existence of this important sector, which provides maximum employment to the people, is in danger. He requested to announce an early economic package by the Central Government to save these industries.
The Chief Minister affirmed that Chhattisgarh was the first state in the nation to implement the lockdown by 31st
March. There is a better situation here due to complete lockdown. A total of 18 persons with corona infection have been found infected in the state. Of these, 10 have recovered so far. Condition of the remaining 8 patients is stable. All 7 members of Tablighi Jamaat who were found infected with Corona virus have been admitted to AIIMS Raipur, their condition is also stable. No death has been recorded because of corona virus infection in the state so far. He informed that only 5 districts have been found to have corona infection patients in 28 districts of the state, infected persons have not been found in the remaining 23 districts. So far, 3,473 samples have been taken in the state. An average of 135 samples are being taken per day. Which are very less. Due to less testing, it cannot be said with certainty whether the condition of Covid-19 virus is actually under control or not. There is a need to take 3 to 5 thousand samples daily. A request has also been made earlier in this regard.
The Chief Minister told in video conference that 107 members of Tabligi Jamaat have been kept in quarantine in the state. One of these members is undergoing treatment, he was discharged yesterday. He said that thousands of people were trapped in the state border. They are currently quarantined outside the state limits. But these people are facing a lot of trouble. There are also many travelers and families who want to return back to their homes. Guidelines are expected in this regard.
Chief Minister Mr. Baghel said that out of 56 lakh families in the state, 47 lakh poor families have been given a lump sum ration for two months, and sugar, salt has also been distributed. He told that the market in the state is closed due to which sale and purchase of forest produce is not happening. In the Scheduled Areas, the work of collection and procurement of forest produce Mahua, Tamarind is going on through Forest Committees. States should be allowed to conduct such activities. Daily food is being provided to two and a half lakh families in the state. 77 thousand
people have been placed in Quarantine. 10,000 people have been placed in the quarantine in the state borders.
In view of the increasing number of patients during the Corona crisis, Chief Minister Mr.Baghel suggested to continue the ban on interstate traffic facilities through road, air and rail. He also said that considering the number of Corona-infected people and their status, it would be appropriate to authorize the state governments to decide whether economic activities in respective states should be resumed or not. Given the current situation, we will definitely face an economic crisis. Action plan has to be prepared as per requirement, to support and revive economy.
On this occasion, Health Minister Shri T.S. Singhdev, Home Minister Mr. Tamradhwaj Sahu, Additional Chief Secretary Mr. Subrata Sahu, Health Secretary
Mrs. Niharika Barik Singh, Food Secretary Mr. Kamalpreet Singh were present.
