Punjab seeks funds to build Covid-19 isolation wards
The Punjab Government has sought funds from the Centre to build isolation ward and the other buildings in order to treat Covid-19 patients, as 90,000 NRIs have returned to the state in the past few days.
“As we have so many NRIs in Punjab and 90,000 people have come here in the last three-four months, we have asked for Rs 150 crore from the Centre to help us build infrastructure as well as for isolation wards and other things if there are more cases,” Punjab Health Minister BS Sidhu said on Monday.
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Also, he said that five other MPs met the Union Health Minister, Dr. Harsh Vardhan regarding the same topic. As per the health ministry, the number of coronavirus cases in India has reached around 500, including foreign nationals. Punjab government has imposed the curfew all over the state and has sanctioned Rs 20 crore from the Chief Minister’s relief fund to help the state tide over the crisis.
“The DCs have been asked to issue orders accordingly. Any person required to be given relaxation will be so allowed specifically for a given period and purpose.”- Chief Minister Amarinder Singh tweeted.
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He has also announced the deferment of the electricity payment along with the sewerage and water bills in the state.
The state government had earlier legalized the action against violators of home quarantine. “All measures being taken are for the larger good of everyone. While I am happy that everyone is cooperating, I will not let a few threaten the safety measures being taken against #Covid,” the Chief Minister had tweeted earlier.
The Labour Department has already decided to provide financial assistance of Rs 3000 to 3,18,000 registered construction workers through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) in their bank accounts, involving approximately an expenditure of Rs 96 crore, in the state.
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