New Delhi| While the country is fighting its toughest war against COVID-19 pandemic, with more than 800 infectants, here is a list of few states of the country that have outperformed in the measures taken to fight against the pandemic.
Punjab : Under the leadership of CM Captain Amrinder Singh, Punjab became the first state in the country to clamp curfew, which was a necessary step to prevent the widespread of the disease. As 90,000 NRIs returned to the state, this was a much needed decision, which was timely taken by the CM, after consulting DGP of the state.
Amid, the call of social distancing, he didn’t forget the humanitarian ground and provided free food, shelter and medicines to the needy. Also, Punjab Police delivered food packets to about 2000 needy people. Not only this, Captain sent 20 trains of wheat and rice to other states in order to help them amid lockdown.
Rajasthan: Sensing the situation turning bad in Bhilwara and other parts of the state, CM Ashok Gehlot announced a complete lockdown till 31st of March, much before an all India announcement by PM Narendra Modi. He called an all party meet and discussed the situation of the novel pandemic. He also called a meeting of all the religious leaders. Besides this, an additional 1 lac fund has been given to all the MLAs to be utilised to provide masks and sanitisers to the people of their respective constituencies. A relief package of 2000 crore was also announced by the CM. Sample collection facility is being provided in every town of population more than 1 Lac
Maharashtra: Uddhav Thackeray was among the first few CMs of the country to announce a complete lock down in the state, as early as on March 20. He appealed the employers not to cut the wages of the workforce. Also, the supply of essential materials was guaranteed so that people do not flock the market. The shops supplying essential commodities have been allowed to be kept open all 24×7.
Kerala: It was the first state where COVID-19 patient was identified in the country and CM Pinarayi Vijayan has led the way. Apart from building isolation facilities, what drew a lot of attention was the economic package announced much before that of the Centre. As large as 72 thousand people have been kept under observation in the state, and an announcement of 20 thousand crore economic package has been done to boost the economy which consist of 2000 crore for loan, 2000 Cr for employment. Also, Rs. 1000 per month pension has been announced to the families not eligible of pension.
Chattisgarh : As soon as the first positive case of corona came to the knowledge, the state boundaries were sealed. So, far the tally has been kept under the check. Drones are being installed to spread the disinfectants in the areas of high risk, especially near hospitals and other infection prone buildings. Also, food is being delivered to the houses of poors and deprived with the help of local self help groups.
Jharkhand: So far, the state has not shown any positive case of COVID-19, but due measures have been taken by the government for fighting against the disease. 350 “khichdi centres” have been installed to provide food for the needy amid lockdown. The state government is already running 377 Daal-Bhaat centres are already running successfully since the Hemant Soren government came to the office. Also, in order to provide the correct information to the people, CM Soren is talking to the people every evening.
Puducherry: With more than 70% of the tourist population consisting of foreigners, the government intensified their screening as early as in the beginning of March. Also, bars were closed down. CM V Narayanasamy has been continuously visiting the streets and medical shops and giving guidelines to the shopkeepers to follow the guidelines.
