A virtual meeting was held on 12th October 2020 with the State Nodal Officers for Jan Andolan COVID campaign, organised by the Secretary (Information & Broadcasting) along with Secretary (Health & Family Welfare), Government of India. It was attended by the Chief Secretaries of State Governments and Administrators of Union Territories.
The meeting stressed on the words of the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, that until the time, medicines or vaccines are found, wearing of masks, hand-washing and maintaining distance of two yards is necessary. Representatives from almost all the States and Union Territories delivered short presentation on how various measures are being taken to tackle COVID-19, and to ensure that the Jan Andolan COVID campaign reaches and benefits every beneficiary.
Representative from Assam reported that the Jan Andolan COVID campaign was launched in the State on 23rd September at the state, district and block level. The ASHAs and Anganwadi workers are briefed on the safety measures and precautions to be taken, so that it percolates down to the grassroot level. Mobile Medical Units are set up to ensure that people in remote areas are not left out in the programme.
Representative from Chhattisgarh mentioned that measures are taken to ensure that all departments, employees, visitors, beneficiaries are involved in the programme.
Representative from Delhi reported that the Government has started focused campaign which has an impact on the decrease in the number of COVID-19 positive cases (there has been a decline by 40%) and admissions in hospitals have also gone down.
Representative from Kerala stated that besides social distancing, wearing of masks and hand washing, local committees are formed, headed by the Ward Members. Local campaign ‘Your health is your responsibility,’ has been started which is headed by the District Collector and involves the line departments also. Important activity such as ‘Reverse Quarantine’ is being taken up which focuses on elderly people, people suffering from co-morbidities etc. The State Government also conducts regular meetings with the media.
Union Secretary, Information & Broadcasting, Amit Khare concluded the meeting by focusing on the need to follow the safety precautions diligently, as the pandemic is ongoing. He mentioned that PIB, AIR, Doordarshan have been advised to stay in touch with the State Governments, and to carry out their activities regularly. State Governments have been requested to ensure that town traders, merchants, shopkeepers put up banners about COVID appropriate behavior, so that the public follows the guidelines and safety measures diligently.
(Mhonlumi Patton, APRO)