Odisha hikes consolidated fund 5 times to fight COVID-19

Bhubaneswar, April 9: As Covid-19 pandemic has become biggest challenge, in the interest of public service the corpus of the contingency fund has been increased to Rs. 2000 crore from Rs. 400 crore to meet the urgent and emergent needs for containment management and preventive measures. It has been approved in the Cabinet Meeting held under Chairmanship of the Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today. Cabinet has approved a proposal to purchase ICMR recognized COVID-19 Rapid Testing Kit. In this connection 1 Lakh Rapid Testing Kits will be purchased so that more COVID-19 test can be conducted.  The Chief Minister today announced the extension of the period of ongoing Lock down till April 30 in the State considering the precious lives of our people which is the top most priority at this juncture. Government of India has also been requested to suspend all Rail and Air Services till then. Government of other States have been requested by Government of Odisha to take care of stranded Odia workers in different States. Government of Odisha also is providing all sort of facilities to the guest workers of other States stranded in Odisha.Under the direction of Chief Minister agricultural operations will continue during the lock down period. The Chief Minister has directed that programmes under MNREGS will be carried on to enable poor people to earn. Social distancing will be strictly followed.Stating food security as important to the Government, the Chief Minister has directed to take all necessary steps for transportation of goods without any restriction during lock down period. The Chief Minister thanked the doctors who have registered themselves voluntarily to provide Telemedicine Service. In the meanwhile Telemedicine Services have already started and more than 500 Doctors have already registered to provide their services. All schools and colleges in the State will remain closed till 17th June. Cabinet has approved a ratification proposal in Epidemic Act-1897, through an ordinance. As per the ordinance the amount of punishment has been enhanced in the Act. Every offence shall be considered cognizable and bailable while maximum punishment will be 2 years of imprisonment or a fine of Rs. 10000/- or both. The Cabinet ratified the Epidemic Disease (Amendment) Ordinance, 2020 that was promulgated yesterday by Governor prof Ganeshi Lal to amend the provisions of Epidemic Act-1897 as Odisha Legislative Assembly is not in session. Wearing masks in public places has become compulsory and fine upto Rs. 500/- shall be imposed for not wearing the mask.