Sarbananda Sonowal
Assam CM Sarbananda Sonowal during a video conference with DCs, SPs and principals of medical colleges of Assam

Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Saturday directed the deputy commissioners and superintendents of police of the state to take on board the MLAs and MPs in the fight against COVID19.

Sonowal also asked the deputy commissioners (DCs) and superintendents of police (SPs) to take the ministers-in-charge of the respective districts to tide over the challenges posed by COVID19.

The chief minister stressed united efforts by all stakeholders to revive the economy that has suffered a major setback during the coronavirus-induced nationwide lockdown.

The CM directed the DCs and SPs while reviewing the ongoing measures and future steps to deal with the CODIV19 pandemic through a video conference at Brahmaputra State Guest House in Guwahati on Saturday.

In view of a large number of stranded people of Assam returning to the state in special trains, the CM asked the DCs and SPs to take steps for setting up quarantine management committees at village and block level.

He asked them to consult with the panchayat representatives, village headmen, VDP members, tea garden sardars and local NGOs during the formation of the committees.

Sonowal also instructed them to develop a positive environment in the villages for people living in home quarantine with the active support of senior citizens and opinion leaders.

He also took serious note of the beneficiaries in groups visiting banks to withdraw funds transferred by the government under different schemes.

The CM suggested engaging services of NCC cadets and NSS volunteers for maintaining discipline and social distancing norms in the banks.

He appreciated the services of DCs, SPs, joint directors of Health Services and staff of other emergency services in the fight against COVID19.

Sonowal said the coming days would be more challenging and urged all to work with ‘Team Assam’ spirit to overcome the dreaded disease.

The CM asked the DCs and joint directors of Health Services to interact with the authorities of private nursing homes to ensure all possible services by the latter to the people at this difficult time.

He also directed to take expeditious measures for the recruitment of data entry operators and laboratory technicians on a contractual basis and to maintain regular contact with VDP members to keep them motivated.

Considering that all tea gardens and nearly one lakh MSMEs have started operation in the state, the CM asked the DCs and SPs to enforce strict adherence to social distancing norms and all health directives by such enterprises.

As the third phase of the lockdown will end on Sunday, the CM said until new directives are issued by the Union government the existing guidelines will remain in force in the state.

Keeping in view the forthcoming monsoon season, the CM asked the district administrations to gear up with all preparations to tackle any flood situation by preparing in advance an effective mitigation plan.

He directed to designate one nodal officer to oversee flood preparedness in the districts.

Besides, to avert any electrocution cases during flood, the CM instructed the DCs to ensure timely repair of transmission lines by the power department.

He also stressed on plantation of seasonal plants involving NGOs by the forest department.

The CM applauded the leadership of principals of the medical colleges for the praiseworthy services rendered by doctors, nurses, and health staff of the medical colleges.