COVID-19: Administrative Council holds emergency meeting, announces slew of welfare measures

Jammu: The Administrative Council held an emergency meeting 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 context of the situation emerging due to the ongoing COVID 19 pandemic.
Advisors to Lt. Governor, Kewal Kumar Sharma, Farooq Khan and Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar, Chief Secretary, B V R Subrahmanyam; Financial Commissioner, Health & Medical Education, Atal Dulloo; Principal Secretary to Lt. Governor, Bipul Pathak and Principal Secretary, Planning & Development & Information, Rohit Kansal were present in the meeting.
In a significant decision, the meeting decided on the 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. The Finance Department was asked to take requisite measures in this regard.
The Administrative Council also decided that 2 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.
The Council noted that slum dwellers, other urban poor, 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 war footing.
It may be recalled that the Government had already ordered releases of Rs. 40 Cr to the districts as an emergency measures besides releasing funds to Municipal bodies, PHE Department and other relevant Departments. The Administrative Council noted that the funds to the DCs had already been released. The Divisional Commissioners were directed to ensure that these resources were expeditiously and effectively utilised in COVID 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. It also recorded its appreciation of the tremendous cooperation and support being rendered by ordinary citizens. It appealed to the people to continue its support to the administration and to follow the advisory being issued from time to time by the health and other departments.