DIPR’S UPDATE ON COVID-19 FOR MIZORAM DT. 01.04.2020 TIME: 9:30 PM

1. AGRICULTURE MINISTER HOLDS VIDEO CONFERENCE MEETING WITH DCs AND DAOs OF ALL DISTRICTS

In the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic and subsequent nationwide lockdown, the Mizoram Government and society at large, have been concerned about the welfare and livelihood of farmers in villages across the State. Supply Chain Committees have been set up in all The Districts to enable farmers to sell their produce even during the lockdown. Deputy Commissioners have also directed the Village Level Task Forces to allow farmers to continue working at their respective farms, with clear instructions that the farmers observe good personal hygiene and social distancing while out on their farms.

It was against this backdrop that a Video Conference meeting was held today with all District DCs and DAOs by the Agriculture Minister Pu C. Lalrinsanga, to assess the ground situation across Districts, and to address the problems and challenges faced by farmers. Also in attendance were the Agriculture Department Commissioner and Director.

Addressing the attendees, the Agriculture Minister stated that the Government will continue to do everything in its capacity to ensure the safety, security and welfare of all sections of the society during the Covid-19 crisis. He also thanked the District officials for their dedication and hard work during the unprecedented crisis. He also announced that till yesterday (31/03/2020) 43,208 farmer beneficiaries have received Rs.  864.16 lakhs under the  PM KISAN Scheme as direct cash benefit to help them tide over the hardship in the wake of the pandemic.

DCs and DAOs highlighted various challenges faced by farmers during the Covid-19 lockdown, especially with regards to sugarcane/jaggery, ginger and oil palm transportation. It was decided that MIZOFED would be tasked with supply chain management of jaggery while MAMSOL would take on the responsibility for ginger. With regards to oil palm sale, the Minister tasked the respective DAOs to offer their suggestions to his office. The Minister also stated that restrictions on farming activities have been put in place in a  few villages in Mamit District and Champhai District, as these villages are on the international border and might pose risks for the population there. The Minister urged the attendees to contact his office immediately should they require any assistance in the future    

2. COMMITTEE ON UTILIZATION OF CHIEF MINISTER'S RELIEF FUND FOR COVID-19 SET UP

As Mizoram continues its fight to prevent a mass outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic in the state, people from all walks of life have stepped in to contribute during this unprecedented crisis. There has been an outpouring of generous donations from the public, with families donating money to their local task forces, farmers donating their harvests, people feeding the hungry and even children coming forward to donate their savings. The Chief Minister’s Relief Fund has also received valuable donations, with total contributions of more than Rs.1 crore as on date.

A Committee on Utilization of Chief Minister's Relief Fund for Covid-19 was set up today with the Chief Secretary Pu Lalnunmawia Chuaungo as the Chairman, Additional Chief Secretary as the Vice Chairman andCommissioner & Secretary, Finance Department as the Member Secretary. Other Members include the Chairman, NGO Coordination Committee and Mizoram Kohhran Hruaitute Committee. The Committe held its first meeting at the CS Conference Hall today.

3. MLAs CONTRIBUTE Rs. 21.26 LAKHS TOWARDS THE CM RELIEF FUND

Donation amounting to Rs. 21.26 lakhs contributed by members of the Legislative Assembly towards the CM Relief Fund on Covid-19 was received by the Chief Minister Pu Zoramthanga today at his office. 

 Assembly House Speaker Pu Lalrinliana Sailo handed over the amount in cheque. Also in attendance were Deputy Speaker Er. Lalrinawma, Pu Lalduhoma, Leader, Opposition Group, Pu L. Thangmawia, MLA, Pu Lalrindika Ralte, MLA and Pu H. Lalrinawma, Commissioner& Secretary, Mizoram Legislative Assembly.

Apart from contributing towards the CM Relief Fund, members of the Mizoram Legislative Assembly are continuing to provide relief to citizens in both cash and kind during the nationwide Covid lockdown.

4. COVID-19 TASK FORCE ON TRANSPORT MEETS

As Mizoram continues its fight to prevent a mass outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic in the state, the Government of Mizoram has set up 5 Task Forces to deal with key concern areas during the crisis. 

The Task Force on Transport held its first meeting at the office chamber of its Chairman, Commissioner and Secretary, Transport Department Pu KT Beicho. 

The Task Force has the responsibility to assess and put in readiness all vehicular requirements for transportation of people, patients, dead bodies and Covid-19 materials in case of any eventuality. The Task Force also has to assess the availability, arrange for and streamline the movement of passenger service vehicles and goods carrying vehicles for unhindered movement of essential commodities and that of personnel exempted from the purview of the containment order issued by the State Government. 

At the meeting, it was decided that all the Deputy Commissioners of all Districts shall make a list of Government vehicles (LMV,MMV, HMV), Private vehicles (LMV,MMV, HMV), Morgue Vans and Ambulances and submit to the Task Force. The Deputy Commissioners shall also appoint Nodal Officers for Transport within their respective Districts. All Deputy Commissioners shall facilitate the movement of vehicles carrying essential commodities and the appointed Nodal Officers shall make all the necessary arrangements as required for their smooth and uninterrupted movement. In case of breakdown of such vehicles, workshops may be arranged to facilitate repairs. Food and lodging are also to be arranged for drivers and conductors.