COVID, flood & price rise; Dispur takes several decisions

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: The State Council of Ministers on Tuesday took a slew of tough decisions to effectively tackle the situations arising out of the fast rise in COVID-19 positive cases, floods in different districts, and the fear of price rise of essential commodities.

The meeting held at Assam Administrative Staff College, Khanapara here on Tuesday afternoon, decided to enforce the quarantine guidelines without any leniency and lacunae. All ministers advocated strict adherence to the quarantine guidelines and rules to prevent community spread of COVID-19 across the State. The meeting also decided to take stringent action against people violating the quarantine rules.

The meeting had discussions on the prevailing floods and erosion in different parts of the State. Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal asked all the Deputy Commissioners (DCs) to procure the essential commodities like various food items and tarpaulin in advance to effectively tackle the situation. While the Chief Minister will be in touch with the DCs at frequent intervals to take stock of the flood situation, the Chief Secretary will constantly remain in touch with the DCs. The Ministers, who are in charge of taking stock of the COVID scene in different districts, will do a similar job for flood and erosion in their respective districts.

The Council of Ministers also discussed the issue of possible price rise of essential commodities during floods. Food & Civil Supplies Minister Phani Bhusan Choudhury was asked to take necessary actions to prevent unscrupulous elements take advantage of the present situation in the State to cause a sharp spike in prices of essential commodities.

Taking a few decisions to help those adversely affected by the ongoing COVID- driven lockdown, the Council of Ministers decided to pay Rs 2,000 to each of the folk artistes of the State for April, May and June. The Department of Cultural Affairs will work out a list of the beneficiaries.

Tuesday's meeting also approved Rs 2000 each for the people of the State stranded outside due to lockdown.

In order to encourage entrepreneurship in the field of agriculture, the Council of Ministers decided to allot 1,176 bighas of land to Konaiyak Cooperative Farm at Sootea Assembly constituency for their outstanding contributions in the field of agriculture in the State. The meeting also decided to allot lands to other youths if they can play a role to bring about revolutionary or innovative changes in the Agriculture sector.  

Also Read: Assam COVID-19 Cases Rise to 666; Twenty-Three more test Positive