GUWAHATI: An all-party meeting chaired by Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal here on Sunday resolved to put up a united fight and support the state government’s efforts to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
“Today, we had a sitting with all the political parties from Assam to fight together against COVID-19. The meeting was fruitful with all the parties expressing views of oneness and determination to fight the pandemic,” Sonowal told the media after the meeting.
“The representatives of all the parties of the state expressed full support to the state government’s initiative. They resolved to stand by the Prime Minister and support the programmes announced by him to fight against COVID-19. We welcome the support pledged by the political parties,” he said.
“The all-party meet has pledged to work as Team Assam in the fight against COVID-19 and has jointly thanked the Corona Warriors of Assam,” Sonowal later tweeted.
The number of active COVID-19 cases in the state is 28. A 65-year-old patient from Hailakandi, who was undergoing treatment for the virus at Silchar Medical College Hospital, died in the wee hours of Friday.
Sonowal also lauded the people for following the lockdown norms, saying that the fact that people are confining themselves to their homes speaks volumes of their commitment in the fight against the virus.
Senior Congress leader and former chief minister, Tarun Gogoi, who attended the all-party meeting, thanked the state government for seeking views from all the parties through the meeting and assured all support from the Opposition.
“At this point in time, the state is confronted with two concerns – maintaining the health of people and economic health of the state. A number of steps are being taken in regard to food distribution which is welcome. We have suggested the state government to also support those workers in the unorganised sector at this juncture,” Gogoi told the media.
“We have also suggested that the MGNREGS should be kept operational so that the workers have scope of earning their livelihoods. Agriculture and animal husbandry departments should be more proactive at this juncture,” he said.
Sonowal also maintained that there is no denying that complete lockdown has had its effect on the economic activities of the people and overall economic health of the state. “Therefore, the government is enforcing the lockdown to break the chain of transmission,” he said.
Sonowal said that during the lockdown, the government machinery has shown its commitment to make available of all essential commodities within the reach of every individual.
Reiterating the government’s commitment to the welfare of all sections of the people especially those belonging to the economically backward classes particularly during the lockdown period, Sonowal said that government is implementing its schemes resolutely including transfer financial benefits to bank accounts of the beneficiaries to look after their subsistence.
He thanked the leaders of the all-party meeting for mooting an idea of thanking all the frontline personnel right from doctors to safaikarmis, ASHA workers and ambulance drivers for putting in their best services in the fight against COVID 19 and work on the medical response for mitigation.
Regarding the workers and other people of Assam stranded in other parts of the country, the chief minister said that the Assam Bhawan and Assam Houses in different states have been directed to take care of their accommodation and food.
Sonowal also said that for those patients from Assam stranded in other states and who are fending for themselves, the government has taken steps to transfer Rs 25,000 to each of the beneficiaries’ accounts.
