Jammu, : The Administrative Council of Jammu and Kashmir held an emergency meeting on Tuesday under the chairmanship of Lt. Governor, G.C. Murmu and decided on a number of welfare measures, particularly for the most vulnerable sections and the unorganised sector, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a significant decision, the meeting decided on immediate release of one month’s wages in respect of all daily wagers so that they do not face any difficulty due to the current situation, especially after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a 21-day nationwide lockdown starting Tuesday midnight in an attempt to prevent the spread of the dreaded virus.
The Finance Department has been asked to take requisite measures in this regard.
The Administrative Council also decided that two months’ advance ration viz. for April and May be issued to all ration card holders. It was also decided that one month’s ration for mid-day meals would also be distributed in advance amongst the parents of eligible children.
In another important development, the Directorate of School Education, Jammu, issued a statement on Tuesday saying the Private Schools Coordination Committee has approached the concerned authorities with the request to extend their cooperation with the civil administration in its efforts to cope with the alarming situation which has arisen due to the outbreak of coronavirus.
The Committee has offered private school campuses for setting up quarantine/isolation centres along with manpower and other resources for the purpose.
Meanwhile, the Administrative Council noted that slum dwellers, other urban poor and destitutes were among the most affected by the present situation. In view of the difficulties being faced by them, it was decided that ration packets be immediately distributed among them.
The Divisional Commissioners of Jammu and Kashmir and all the Deputy Commissioners were asked to work out detailed modalities in this regard and take action on a war footing.
It may be recalled that the government had already ordered releases of Rs 40 crore to the districts as an emergency measure besides releasing funds to the municipal bodies, PHE department and other relevant bodies.
The Administrative Council noted that the funds to the DCs have already been released. The Divisional Commissioners were directed to ensure that these resources were expeditiously and effectively utilised in COVID-19 mitigation efforts.
The Administrative Council also appreciated the contribution of the frontline medical staff, the sanitation and other staff as well other essential staff who were working tirelessly despite the difficult circumstances.
