Corona Procurements: New Epidemic Diseases Ordinance Prescribes More Punishment For Violators

Bhubaneswar: Ahead of an all-important cabinet meeting to discuss the state government’s measures and strategies to contained the dreaded coronavirus here, Governor Ganeshi Lal has promulgated an ordinance amending The Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897, in its application to Odisha, official sources said on Wednesday.

In the Epidemic Diseases (Amendment) Ordinance, 2020, a clause shall be inserted in sub-section (2) of section 2 of the principal Act. It says: “Procurement of goods, services and equipments necessary for prevention and control of the epidemic disease and the manner of such procurement.”

“Whoever contravenes or disobeys any order or regulations made under this Act shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years or with fine which may extend upto Rs 10,000 or with both,” states the amended law. “Every offence under this Act shall be cognizable and bailable,” it adds.

Official sources said the amendment was necessitated to deal with procurement requirements entailing the spread of COVID-19 virus, which has already claimed one and affected at least 41 others in Odisha.