SHILLONG: The chairman of the Grand Council of Chiefs of Meghalaya, John F Kharshiing, has suggested daily briefing by the chief minister, the health minister and health officials on electronic media so that more people have access to information regarding the corona crisis and lockdown.
In a letter to Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, Kharshiing said briefing on local electronic media at 3 pm daily can make the public aware of the current developments as has been done by other states and many countries. He reasoned that due to the lockdown, newspapers are in limited circulation and a large number of people have no access to internet.
Pointing out that Doordanshan Kendra reaches out to a larger audience, especially in rural areas, Kharshiing said it can help create awareness to combat the virus and avoid unpleasant incidents.
“The update can improve the flow of facts and figures and will stop rumour mongering and empower the people with the latest development,” said Kharshiing, who is also the spokesperson for the Federation of Khasi States.
Kharshiing also suggested a series of talk shows by doctors (medicine, psychologists and psychiatrists) at a given time every two days where citizens can call with their queries.
He also listed a few suggestions — like utilising private ambulances, hearses and funeral coaches lying idle with the community for easing the pressure on 108 ambulances and a meeting via video conference of community-based NGOs — for a coordination and concerted fight against COVID-19.
With regard to the plying of vehicles, Kharshiing suggested night curfew on highways to reduce stress on police and health officials in tracking and monitoring vehicles plying despite the lockdown.
