Shimla: In an exclusive interview to ETV Bharat, Himachal Pradesh's Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur talked briefly about the measures taken in his state to deal with the coronavirus crisis.
The excerpts are:
Q. How has the government succeeded in curbing the corona menace in the tourism state of Himachal?
Ans. Himachal Pradesh is a tourism state. Tourism suffered greatly, but people's lives were important. In such a situation, tourists stopped visiting the state due to lockdown. Of course, it has caused damage, but it was the right thing to do at this point of time.
Q. How is Himachal fighting against corona and what message will you give to other states?
Ans. Himachal is better in comparison to other states. So far, 39 corona positives have been found in the state. As many as 24 Jamaati-returned from Markaz were found positive in Delhi. They are all being investigated. Timely action will be taken based on the report. We have also imposed a curfew. As a result of this, cases of corona patients are coming down in Himachal as compared to other states.
Q. PM Modi will review the lockdown on April 20. Can it make a way to open some sectors?
Ans. Curfew has so far been imposed in Himachal Pradesh. Guidelines issued by the Center will be followed. The appropriate action will be taken according to the situation. However, relaxation will not be possible in all sectors. Himachal is still registering 1-2 cases every day.
Q. Himachal has been a front runner in the Pharma Sector. What steps have been taken to ramp up the production of Hydroxychloroquine?
Ans. Himachal Pradesh is the hub of Pharma and number one in Asia as far as the Pharma sector is concerned. We are already working towards this as we have given exemption in the production of essential medicines sent across the country and abroad.
Q. Testing kits have been ordered from China. How much will come in Himachal's share?
Ans. Five thousand kits have been made available to Himachal out of the kits ordered from China for the Rapid Test. Today, there is no shortage of anything in the state and it will further get the benefit of the Rapid Test Kit and we will be able to test quickly.
Q. Students are unable to go to school for the last 25 days. How is online education being implemented?
Ans. After the spread of coronavirus across the country, we had to close educational institutions first. Students are suffering and we were worried about this. So, we made an arrangement for online classes from 10 am to 1 pm through Doordarshan Shimla. According to the schedule made by the Education Department, we are providing online education to children. They are also trying to educate school children through technology. We have been successful to a great extent in this direction too.
Q. A large number of workers from outside states are stranded in Himachal. How are they being taken care of?
Ans. It is a matter of concern for the whole world. Himachal Pradesh is also not untouched by this. We are all doing our best under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. We are committed to everyone's protection.
Q. Many students of Himachal are studying in other countries including Ukraine, Russia. Is the government in touch with them?
Ans. Most of the children studying outside are back, but many children are still stuck in other countries. We have requested them to stay wherever they are. Many children of Himachal are living in Ukraine. We have made the Embassy and the central government aware of this. The central government has taken up the matter with the government of Ukraine. I hope everyone will be safe and this difficult period will pass.
Q. Are BPL families getting essential things including medicines, pulses and rice?
Ans. We are making sure that no one remains hungry in the state. The ration is being provided to all. People from other states also contribute to Himachal's development and everyone is being taken care of. Packed foods are also being provided to the places where ration is not able to reach. All arrangements have been made and we are committed to make sure that no one sleeps hungry in Himachal Pradesh.
Also Read: Lockdown: Hamirpur farmers in dire straits due to shortage of labourers
