No.23/2020-2021
Chief Minister Zoramthanga has announced that lockdown will be extended till 30th April in the state of Mizoram. The Chief Minister confirmed this after a consultation meeting, which he had today with the Mizoram Legislative Assembly Speaker Pu Lalrinliana Sailo, Home Minister Pu Lalchamliana, Health Minister Dr. R. Lalthangliana, Supply Minister Pu K. Lalrinliana and I&PR Minister Pu Lalruatkima. Representatives of the collective church forum 'Mizoram Kohhran Hruaitute Committee', various NGOs, joint body of all Village & Local Councils as well as all political parties were also present in the meeting held at the Assembly House Annexe Conference Hall.
Chief Minister Zoramthanga reiterated that security will be tightened along the international and inter-state borders, but he also assured that in order to avoid any unnecessary or further hardships to the people, all future measures will always be taken up in consultation with the State Level Task Force, District &Village/Local Level Task Force as well as concerned authorities.
Chief Minister Zoramthanga also announced that the state government is doing its best to extricate the Mizos stranded in neighbouring Northeastern states. However, those stranded in cities and towns further away in the mainland cannot be brought home as of now, as all modes of transport by road/rail and air have been temporarily suspended across the country due to lockdown. The latter, who are being presently accomodate in different Mizoram Houses run by the state government, will not be charged for food or accomodation, he assured.
Chief Minister Zoramthanga also announced that the state government is doing its best to extricate the Mizos stranded in neighbouring Northeastern states. However, those stranded in cities and towns further away in the mainland cannot be brought home as of now, as all modes of transport by road/rail and air have been temporarily suspended across the country due to lockdown. The latter, who are being presently accomodate in different Mizoram Houses run by the state government, will not be charged for food or accomodation, he assured.
In today's meeting, Home Minister Pu Lalchamliana reported on the security and vigilance measures along the state's borders. Supply Minister Pu K.Lalrinliana gave a report on the status of food and essential goods in the state since lockdown and also said that free distribution of rations was being carried on for the poorer sections. I&PR and Rural Development Minister Pu Lalruatkima informed that arrangements have been made to give advance payments to job card holders, although no work could be done under the 100 days' employment scheme during lockdown. Minister Pu Lalruatkima also reported on the prompt and efficient performance of the I&PR Department in dissemination of important information and awareness to the public regarding COVID-19 through various media.
Among other suggestions and recommendations discussed in today's meeting, it was decided that priority be given to afford relief measures for famliies of daily wagers who were the worst struck due to lockdown. Also, extrication of stranded Mizos in different cities across the country must be taken up as soon as feasible.
The Council of Ministers headed by the Chief Minister, which met earlier this morning to deliberate over lockdown and its impacts on the state, had also unanimously agreed that extension of lockdown was necessary. The Ministers had also agreed on beefing up of security along the borders, extrication of stranded Mizos and extra relief measures for the poorer classes.
COVID-19 Medical Operational Team Chairman Dr. ZR Thiamsanga, MLA, Chief Secretary Pu Lalnunmawia Chuaungo, Additional Chief Secretary Pu J.C Ramthanga and other high officials were also present in the consultative meeting chaired by the Chief Minister this afternoon.
