New Delhi: Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said that all states should follow the guidelines of the Central Government to tackle the covid-19 crisis. In an exclusive interview with ETV Bharat's reporter Anamika Ratna, Sawant explained what steps were taken to control the spread of the virus in the state. He also spoke on various measures state took for stranded migrant workers and also for the revival of the industries. Here are a few excerpts from the interview:
Q1. Goa was the first state to be declared as a green zone. How did you handle the entire situation and what do you think could be the reason for the fresh spike of cases?
A1: After Janata Curfew, we extended lockdown in Goa to contain the spread of Covid-19. Authorities took measures and increased awareness on a large scale to educate the masses. All the foreign tourists, along with primary and secondary contacts were quarantined in the hotels. We also ensured rapid testing procedure along with a house-to-house survey. Even today, nobody is permitted to enter the state without testing.
Out of the fresh eight COVID-19 cases, six of them were detected at the border and quarantined. Rest of the two have been admitted to the Covid-19 hospital. We are taking all the precautionary measures to ensure that no community transmission takes place.
Q2: Goa has emerged as a model for other states. Do you think rapid testing and strict adherence to guidelines helped to control the spread of the virus?
A2: In order to control the spread of corona, awareness and education programmes proved really effective. Institutional and home quarantine, along with sealing the state borders proved fruitful too. Not only did we impose restrictions on rail, waterway and other transport but we made sure that every outsider is tested. Apart from this, the medical team also played a key role in taking proper care of the patients and followed up with them.
Q3: Do you think easing the lockdown norms can be a challenge for Goa and other states?
A3: We are giving economic relaxations in the state to boost economic activities. We request the Ministry of Home Affairs to put restrictions on inter-state movement of the public. There are high chances of a spike in fresh COVID-19 cases if public transport is allowed. We have also appealed to the Railway Ministry for allowing only Goa citizens to enter the state as outsiders may cause problems.
Q4: Goa is known for tourism. What is your plan to maintain the tourism and hospitality sector which forms the base of the state's economic activities?
A4: Tourism and hospitality services were severely affected due to coronavirus. There is a need to revive the worst-hit tourism sector for which we have decided our standard operating procedures. We are also hoping that the Central Government will issue guidelines on tourism after which we will extend our support to the stakeholders and investors involved in this field.
Q5: Central Govt has given a message of Self-Reliant India. How do you look at this campaign and what is your revival plan for the same?
A5: After Prime Minister Narendra Modi has appealed to the citizens to promote Swadeshi, we have formed an expert- committee in the state and rural areas. We are continuously taking inputs from the committee to revive the industries in the state. Efforts are being made to make the state self-sustainable along with taking necessary precautions. We have to learn to live with this pandemic.
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Q6: How did Goa manage the issue of stranded migrant workers?
A6: Goa has handled the issue of migrant labourers in a proper manner. We built labour camps and provided food, sanitation and hygiene kits to labourers of various sector. We have segregated stranded workers from various states and provided bus facility for labourers of the neighbouring states. We have convinced the workers to stay in the state for boosting economic activities.
Q7: Most of the Chief Ministers have advised PM Modi to extend lockdown. How do you look at it and what's your take on this?
A7: We requested the Prime Minister to extend lockdown 4 by providing relaxations for various economic activities. We want mining and pharma industries to work. Unnecessary inter-state movement of the public should be avoided.
Q8: Opposition has slammed the BJP govt for sudden lockdown and poor condition of migrant workers. What would you say on this?
A8: In order to fight against the Covid-19, we have to keep political differences aside. The entire world is praising Modi's effort in handling the crisis. Every state should follow the guidelines of PM Modi to control the spread of the virus. A few days earlier, Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray also appreciated Goa's efforts in tackling the pandemic. It is possible when people co-operate with the government. India can win the battle against Covid-19 under the leadership of PM Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah.
Q9: What was the role of the Opposition party in the state in fighting against this pandemic?
A9: I have always welcomed suggestions from everyone to fight against this pandemic. My job is to keep my state free from Covid-19 with the help of frontline warriors.
Q10: What is the plan to promote local products in Goa under the Self -Reliant India campaign?
A10: We have taken steps to make Goa self-reliant at the panchayat level. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has announced an economic relief package which should be used for promoting economic activities. We are also taking steps to take local products on a global platform to provide major economic relief to the locals.
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