Odisha CM Directs DGP To Strictly Enforce COVID-19 Norms In Twin Cities

Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday directed Director General of Police (DGP) to ensure strict adherence to COVID-19 guidelines in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack.

Reviewing the COVID-19 management in the state, the chief minister said, “While I get good feedback about enforcement activities throughout the state, the feedback regarding Bhubaneswar-Cuttack Commissionerate area is not encouraging. I have been repeatedly harping on this. D.G. must directly look into this and do the needful.”

Stating that more than 1.25 lakh persons have recovered from disease, the chief minister appreciated the efforts of Health functionaries and COVID Warriors in this regard. More than one lakh have recovered in the last 5 weeks itself, he added.

Naveen also directed the district collectors that the MGNREGS and all livelihood activities must be scaled up and closely monitored. With economy slowing down, it is important to pump in funds to rural households.

MSME and other Industrial activities should be fully supported to reach pre-COVID levels. Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, Horticulture, Soil Conservation, Forestry and Agriculture interventions as announced in COVID livelihood package should be followed up as a top priority, the chief minister said.

“Basically, the collectors must ensure scaled up activities in livelihood sectors coupled with increased fund flow. This is the only way by which we can protect rural Odisha, particularly poor people from the impact of economic slowdown,” Naveen said.