Bhubaneswar: Union Minister Pratap Chandra Sarangi on Wednesday requested Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik to set up a helpline number for Odia people stranded in various parts of the country because of the 21-day COVID-19 lockdown.
“The rapidly evolving Corona virus scenario and the consequential decisions, have caught many people unprepared and stranded. including the people from Odisha, in other states without any food and accommodation,” he wrote.
As the lockdown will continue for three weeks, the stranded people, who include students, trainees. pilgrims. workers and businessmen, are anxious about their basic requirements
of food and lodging in the alien land, Sarangi said.
“I strongly feel that a helpline may be put in place for the stranded people to establish communication with the State Government about their whereabouts, requirements and well-being and the same may be disseminated through mass media,” he said.
The Union Minister further added that the Chief Secretary of Odisha may be advised to remain in touch with his counterparts to provide all assistance to the stranded people from Odisha in other states.
