In the backdrop of Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent nationwide lockdown, a high level meeting was held yesterday at the Chief Secretary Conference Hall MINECO yesterday. Chief Secretary of Mizoram Pu Lalnunmawia Chuaungo, IAS chaired the meeting. In attendance were Additional Chief Secretary Pu JC Ramthanga and officials of Police, Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Health & Family Welfare, Horticulture, Agriculture, Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Department, Disaster Management & Rehabilation Department and Aizawl Municipal Council leaders.
The meeting reviewed all issues related to Covid-19 lockdown including supply chain management of essential commodities, solid waste management, essential equipments for frontline workers, supply of fresh produce of farmers etc. The meeting decided that Horticulture Department, Commerce & Industries Department, MIZOFED and Local Level Task Force would coordinate and work together to ensure seamless procurement and supply of essentials from farmers/ suppliers to end consumers. The Task Force on Commodities gave a report on their arrangement for procurement and supply of essential commodities. The meeting also underlined the importance of maintaining social distancing at all shops and public places.
It was also highlighted that the State had on 27th March, 2020 received 10,900 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) sets, 10,000 N-95 masks, 200 infrared sensors and 900 shoe covers to be used by frontline healthcare workers across the State. The State Government had chartered Air India Cargo Airbus -319 to carry the shipment from New Delhi to Lengpui.
It was also discussed that the national lockdown to combat coronavirus has had an impact on daily wagers and migrant workers. Against the backdrop of reports that there has been a large-scale reverse migration from cities to villages in various parts of the country, the Ministry of Home Affairs had issued an advisory to all States asking them to make adequate arrangements for stranded workers, students, working women among others. The Ministry of Home Affairs has now changed rules for state disaster response fund (SDRF), allowing them to be used to give food and shelter to migrant workers, industrial workers and other unorganized sector workers during the lockdown. It was decided that the District Level Task Force of respective Districts would be tasked with locating and providing food and shelter to these migrant workers.
Regarding the issue of Mizo students, professionals and others stranded in various parts of the country, the meeting decided that officials of Mizoram House, wherever applicable would be responsible to ensure their safety and security. In such places without a Mizoram House, the Mizo Welfare Association of the area is expected to take up the responsibility.
It was also highlighted that the Disaster Management & Rehabilitation Department, Govt of Mizoram has set up a State Control Room on Covid-19 at the Administrative Training Institute (ATI), MINECO.
Landline Nos 0389-2335842/2335837
Mobile number 9366331931
Email - mzdmr.covid@gmail.com
can be reached 24x7 by anyone who requires assistance or has a query related to Covid-19. It may be noted that the Control room is manned by a team of 4 dedicated Officers at all hours.
