‘Axed officials chose to sit in their offices’

Bureaucracy questions suspension move, calls it ‘unprecedented and very unfair’

31/03/2020, VIJAITA SINGH , JATIN ANAND,NEW DELHI

A day after two senior IAS officials were suspended and another was issued a show-cause notice along with a DANICS officer by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) for alleged dereliction of duty for not being able to contain the exodus of migrant workers from Delhi, sources in the MHA claimed this was done in response to their alleged failure in this respect on multiple counts.

While some in the bureaucracy argued the move was not only “unprecedented” but “very unfair” and questioned why the buck did not stop with the politicians whose “orders were being carried out” by the suspended lot — among them “very senior and capable bureaucrats” with “impeccable career and records”, MHA sources claimed action was taken against officials who “chose to sit in air-conditioned rooms” instead of ensuring “better management” and “proper implementation” of these very decisions on the ground.

Suspended officials

Renu Sharma, additional Chief Secretary, Transport Department and Rajiv Verma, Principal Secretary, Finance were suspended while Satya Gopal, additional Chief Secretary, Home and Land Buildings Departments, and Ajay Kumar Arora, SDM Seelampur, were served show-cause notices.

“There are videos being circulated in the public domain showing announcements being made to migrant workers to reach the inter-State bus terminal at Anand Vihar where arrangements to ferry them to Uttar Pradesh were being made. At whose behest were these made?” the MHA source said.

“After these announcements, which were instrumental in triggering the exodus, were made, instructions were issued to ensure floodlights, tents and urinals — especially for the women among the migrants — but these did not materialise on the ground,” the source argued.

In the run-up to the exodus over the weekend, the source claimed, the suspended officials had “chosen to sit in their offices” instead of ensuring that the situation did not transform into the crisis.

‘Personal grudge’

“This is the first time that such senior bureaucrats have been axed without any explanation or underlying reason,” a bureaucrat argued.

“This may not only have been inspired by some sort of personal grudge against them but may also be an exercise in public relations so the people do not question the politicians who actually sat in their offices to escape public ire,” the official said.

More time to apply for JNU, IGNOU admission tests

Deadline to apply for eligibility test for UGC, CSIR extended

31/03/2020, SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT,NEW DELHI

Having already postponed the engineering and medical entrance examinations, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has now extended the application deadlines for seven other examinations by a month, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and the resultant lockdown.

The NTA, an autonomous body under the Human Resource Development Ministry set up to conduct such examinations, issued a notice on the extension on Monday.

The last date to submit application forms to attempt the admission tests for Jawaharlal Nehru University, Indira Gandhi National Open University, the Indian Council for Agricultural Research and the National Council for Hotel Management have all been revised from the end of March to April 30, 2020.

The deadline to apply for the National Eligibility Test of the University Grants Commission (UGC-NET), used to select assistant professors and junior research fellows, has been extended to May 16.

The application deadline for the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research National Eligibility Test (CSIR-NET) has also been revised to May 15.

With regard to the All India Ayush Postgraduate Entrance Test, the window for applications will now close on May 31.

The NTA notice did not specify whether the examinations themselves would be postponed. It said a detailed schedule with revised dates would be posted on its website after April 15, after assessing the situation.

Pay 70% of MSMEs’ wage bill for next three months: Cong.

Party asks Centre to come up with ₹1 lakh crore package

31/03/2020, SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT,NEW DELHI

The Congress on Monday asked the Union government to pay 70% of the wage bill of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) for next three months and make it mandatory for the employers not to retrench their employees.

Party president Sonia Gandhi also formed a central control room at Congress headquarters to monitor the ground situation with regard to the spread of the COVID-19.

In a series of tweets, former Finance Minister P. Chidamabaram demanded a bold new Financial Assistance Package immediately.

Addressing an online press conference, Congress spokesperson Prof. Gourav Vallabh said there are 4.25 crore MSMEs that contribute around 29% to India’s GDP and employ about 45 crore people. “One month of the wage bill is around ₹50,000 crore and for three months, it will be around ₹1.50 lakh crore. So,70% of the same works out to approximately ₹1 lakh crore,”said Prof. Vallabh.

The Congress spokesperson also suggested that truck drivers be given advance payment to ensure that the supply of essentials are not affected. “There are approximately 30 lakh truck drivers in our country whose burden will be around ₹25,000 crore,” he said.

Talking about the exodus of workers leaving cities, he said, “Central government should form a law stating that there shall be no retrenchment in any sector or company whatsoever for the next 6 months, applicable to every company/enterprise.”

Why PM CARES, asks Cong.

Party leaders point to the existing National Relief Fund to deal with pandemic

31/03/2020, SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT,NEW DELHI

Congress leaders on Monday questioned the setting up of the PM CARES Fund to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic by Prime Minister Narendra Modi when the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) is already in existence.

Lok Sabha member Shashi Tharoor on Twitter, commenting on another tweet about PM CARES, asked: “Why not simply rename PMNRF as PM-CARES, given the PM’s penchant for catchy acronyms, instead of creating a separate Public Charitable Trust whose rules & expenditure are totally opaque?”

“@PMOIndia you owe the country an explanation for this highly unusual step,” Mr. Tharoor added.

On March 28, the government had set up the Prime Minister’s Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations Fund’ (PM CARES Fund) to deal with the unprecedented situation arising out of the COVID-19 outbreak where citizens can make voluntary contributions.

However, some critics including Congress leaders pointed out that money was lying ‘unspent’ in the PMNRF.

“The PM’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) has an unspent balance of ₹3,800 crore [as of December 16, 2019]. Why couldn’t #COVID19 donations go to PMNRF? Why was PM CARE created? Why are PM & 3 ministers members of this trust without any opposition or civil society leaders?” asked Congress spokesperson Salman Soz.

Noted historian Ramchandra Guha too targeted the government over PM CARES Fund.

“This is a very important thread. Why a new fund when a Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund already exists? And why the self-aggrandizing name, PM-CARES? Must a colossal national tragedy also be (mis)used to enhance the cult of personality?” he asked.

PSU banks ask branches to work full hours

Full staffing advised to help banks cope with pay day rush, DBT withdrawals in rural areas

31/03/2020, MANOJIT SAHA,MUMBAI

Bracing themselves: Bankers are anticipating a rush in their branches in rural and semi-urban areas.PTIPTI

After being prodded by the Finance Ministry, state-owned banks have directed their branches to ensure that the staff are present in full strength from Tuesday and that the branches remain open for regular business hours in anticipation of the higher footfall this week, especially in rural and semi-urban branches where digital banking facilities are not being availed extensively.

Bankers are anticipating a rush in their branches in rural and semi-urban areas as more customers are expected to queue up to withdraw cash after the government transfers ₹500 to Jan Dhan account holders as part of the COVID-19 economic relief package announced by the Centre. In addition, there would be the usual increase in banking activity that typically happens at the beginning of a month due to salary disbursements and pension payments.

Bankers said this week could prove to be challenging for the branch staff, especially to ensure compliance with physical distancing norms.

Some of the lenders have already withdrawn earlier instructions for rotation of duty on alternate days, effective from March 31. All staff members have been asked to report for duty.

Following the nationwide lockdown to fight the spread of COVID-19, public sector banks were operating on the basis of truncated working hours with limited staffing and had been providing basic banking services.

However, this had irked the Ministry which had reportedly sought an explanation from the banks on why many branches were closed.

In a videoconference with bank chiefs on Saturday, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had reviewed banks’ functioning during the lockdown, even while maintaining social distancing.

“All banks are ensuring their branches are kept open, ATMs filled up and are working. Banking correspondents are active. Social distancing is respected and sanitizers are provided where necessary,” Ms. Sitharaman tweeted on Monday.

“There is a big risk for the bank staff and customers inside the premises in large numbers and would go totally against the objective of social distancing,” C. H. Venkatachalam, general secretary, All India Bank Employees’ Association, wrote to the Ministry.

Contractors may be behind migrant workers’ stir: police

Eight middlemen under the scanner for Kottayam protest

31/03/2020, G. ANAND,THIRUVANANTHAPURAM

Patient hearing: Police personnel trying to reassure the migrant workers protesting in Kottayam on Sunday.PTI-

Sunday’s protest by migrant workers at Payippad in Kottayam is unlikely to be the consequence of a conspiracy by any political party or religious group, according to the Kerala police. A preliminary probe suggests that some labour contractors could have instigated the workers to protest and seek transport facilities to return to their home States.

The police say the protest occurred a few days after the taluk authorities summoned the contractors and advised them to help the migrants employed by them.

“They may have felt it is a losing proposition to spend on the wages, stay and food of the labourers during the lockdown,” a senior police officer told The Hindu. They could have tried to shrug off their accountability by instigating them to return home.

The police said eight middlemen were under scanner. Investigators said the mass movement of migrants from New Delhi in government-arranged buses may have also stoked the stir at Payippad.

Youth Cong. men held

In Malappuram, the police arrested two Youth Congress workers for allegedly spreading false information that transport facility had been arranged for migrant workers to go home.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had alleged that “one or more devious forces” were behind the Payippad episode.

(With inputs from Malappuram)

Power demand down; revenue may take a hit

31/03/2020, SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT

The demand for electricity in the State, particularly in Chennai, has drastically reduced since the lockdown came into effect.

With most industrial and commercial establishments shut, the power managers are sitting pretty, with demand not exceeding 12,000 MW.

Electricity Minister P. Thangamani had said demand had reduced by over 4,500 MW. But officials are concerned about revenue collection. The shutting down of establishments representing high-tension and commercial consumers, who account for a majority of Tangedco’s revenue, would result in a huge gap in revenue generation, said a senior official of Tangedco. The silver lining is the availability of cheap electricity through the power exchanges, with the price not exceeding ₹2.10 per unit.

Sharpest single-day jump in cases

31/03/2020

Mr. Palaniswami said 1,925 persons have been admitted as in-patients as they were suspected to have COVID-19. To a query on the number of persons tested for COVID-19, the CM maintained that testing would be done only if a person developed all symptoms.

The State government had taken steps to procure about 1.5 crore masks and 25 lakh N95 masks along with other medical supplies. Orders have been placed to acquire 2,500 ventilators and 30,000 test kits.

He added that steps were being taken to coordinate with States where workers from Tamil Nadu were stranded.

Self-quarantine was the only way to stop the spread of COVID-19, the CM reiterated and contended: “We have never come across such a situation, these are challenging times.”

Replying to a query on rent to be paid by tenants, he said it was a pan India issue and the government would look into it. On the possibility of waiving electricity bills, he said: “One should think of the government’s position. The government spends the money that is collected from the people as taxes. Otherwise, there is no money for the government.”

The CM ruled out the possibility of holding an all-party meeting sought by the opposition on COVID-19.

Govt. steps in to send flowers to scent factories

Passes issued to units in Dindigul, Kovilpatti, Tiruvannamalai and Coimbatore

31/03/2020,B. KOLAPPANCHENNAI

Back on track: Farm workers preparing a field to plant paddy after the government allowed farming operations, with precautions, during the lockdown period.

As farmers cultivating flowers are unable to sell their produce due to the lockdown, the State government has arranged for the supply of flowers to scent and perfume manufacturing factories in various parts of Tamil Nadu through the Horticulture Department.

“We have issued passes to scent factories in Dindigul, Kovilpatti, Tiruvannamalai and Coimbatore so that they could collect flowers from the farmers and transport them to their manufacturing units. They may not collect the entire produce, but will give some relief to farmers,” said Gagandeep Singh Bedi, Agricultural Production Commissioner and Principal Secretary.

Farmers have complained that flowers either remain uncollected or perish in the fields because of the cancellation of marriages and temple festivals.

After Horticulture Department officials held talks, in Tiruvannamalai alone, 3.1 tonnes of jasmine were supplied to SMR Sri Arunachala Concrete Extraction Unit between March 28 and 30. Similarly, 650 kg jasmine was sent to a unit in Virudhunagar.

“In Dindigul, officials of the Horticulture Department held a meeting with perfume manufacturing units, and they will use 22 tonnes of flowers from Tuesday,” Mr. Bedi said.

The flower market in Koyambedu started functioning on Monday and the government has arranged for the inflow of flowers.

The Horticulture Department is also facilitating the movement of fruits, particularly bananas, to markets in Kerala, Pudukottai, Tindivanam, Coimbatore, Tirupattur and Tiruppur. Accordingly, 15 tonnes of banana have been sent to markets.

“Farmers can keep their produce in the cold storage facilities and godowns of the Agriculture Department for a month without the need for any payment,” Mr. Bedi said. He said farmers who had not paid the premium for the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana in the delta districts and a few other district could remit the amount on March 31.

Helplines set up

“Farmers can pay the premium at the primary co-operative banks and other nationalised banks in Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur, Tiruchi, Salem, Theni and Kanyakumari district,” he said.

The following are the helplines that have been set up to facilitate payment of insurance premium: Nagapattinam: 9750197636; Tiruvarur: 7397753311; Tiruchi: 9443021750; Salem: 9944980436; Theni: 9443828843; and Kanniyakumari: 9965568051.

TNAU to donate ₹65 lakh

31/03/2020,COIMBATORE

In support of the State government’s fight against the COVID-19 virus, the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University will donate ₹ 65 lakh to Chief Minister’s Public Relief Fund, said a University release.

The contribution was from the teaching and non-teaching staff, said the release, adding that Vice- Chancellor N. Kumar would be sending it to the Chief Minister

Menu for those under observation

31/03/2020, WILSON THOMAS,COIMBATORE

Keerai rasam and steaming sathunavu kanji are among traditional preparations that supplement the menu for those under observation at the COVID-19 special ward at Government Medical College and ESI Hospital, Coimbatore.

The hospital administration is offering a vegetarian menu, excluding boiled egg given along with breakfast, for those tested positive for the disease and those having symptoms.

According to hospital Dean A. Nirmala, the menu for the day starts with a glass of milk given at 6 a.m. which is followed by breakfast at 8 a.m., mostly idli, pongal, upma or kichadi.

“Around 10 a.m., we provide sathumavu kanji. Hot kanji is provided to whoever wanted it anytime,” she said. For the lunch, the hospital provides variety meals such as sambar rice, curd and rasam rice along with poriyal.

At 4 p.m., varieties of sundal with ginger-lemon juice or soups made of tomato, spinach, daal, etc., are given. The dinner provided at 8 p.m. constitutes light items such as chapathi and upma. Hospital’s medical superintendent Ravikumar said that coffee or tea were not provided to those in the special ward while nilavembu kashayam was given to those wanted.

The hospital was welcoming volunteers or organisations who wish to sponsor seasonal fruits for those in the special ward.

Over 16,000 families home quarantined in Erode district

Essential items being supplied to the families: Minister

31/03/2020, STAFF REPORTER

Residents of Saanthankadu Street in Veerappanchatram erected barricade and placed a board asking outsiders not to enter their area in Erode on Monday. M. GOVARTHAN M_GOVARTHAN

With a total of 20 persons tested positive for COVID-19 in the district, 16,456 families comprising 57,734 members were home quarantined in the district as on Monday.

A total of 82 persons were in the isolation ward at the Government IRT Perundurai Medical College and Hospital of which 20 tested positive. Of this, three were Thailand nationals while three were in close contact with them.

The other 14 persons had travelled to attend a conference in New Delhi and had returned to Erode. Positive cases were reported from Kollampalayam Housing Unit, Sultanpet area, Cauvery Road and Railway Colony area where families were kept in quarantine. Also, persons who had returned from foreign nations and from other States were also in home quarantine across the district.

Officials of Health and Family Welfare Department said that till Sunday when only six positive cases were reported, a total of 1,830 families comprising 5,140 members were home quarantined. But, after 14 more persons tested positive, the number of families in home quarantine rose to 16,456, they added.

On Monday, Minister for School Education, Youth Welfare and Sports Development, K.A. Sengottaiyan, and Minister for Environment, K.C. Karuppannan, along with MLAs, held discussions with Collector C. Kathiravan and officials at the Collectorate.

Mr. Sengottaiyan said that essential commodities were supplied to the quarantined families in their areas and disinfectants were sprayed on the streets, both in morning and evening. Mobile ATM and 108 ambulance are stationed in their areas, he added. The Minister said that 300 beds are available at the isolation ward at Perundurai while another 63 beds are kept ready in other hospitals in the district. “Only personal distancing could prevent spread of the disease”, he said and asked the people to cooperate with the district administration.

Stopping the spread, caring for lives

Karnataka’s approach to fighting the coronavirus pandemic is on a war-footing

31/03/2020

Getty Images/iStockphotophototechno/Getty Images/iStockphoto

When the World Health Organization (WHO) Executive Director, WHO Health Emergencies Programme, Dr. Michael Ryan, said, “India has a tremendous capacity to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic”, we must prove the assessment right before the international community at all cost. Dr. Ryan also said, “There are no easy answers. It is exceptionally important that countries like India show the way to the world as they have done before.”

As India enters the seventh day of a lockdown, 37 deaths and 1,284 COVID-19 positive cases have been reported in India; there are 88 cases in Karnataka (as on March 30, 9.45 pm).

Currently, we have two main challenges at hand. First of all, to curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus and second, to care for people’s lives during the 21-day lockdown. I can say, confidently, that we are addressing both the challenges effectively. The Central Government, under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is overseeing every step. We extend unflinching support to the Prime Minister.

Friends, we must strictly quarantine ourselves for 21 days until April 14 to contain the spread of the coronavirus. The lockdown, unprecedented in our lifetime, may cause inconvenience to our social life, but the decision is a bold move. We must realise that the lockdown is for our well-being, for our safety.

My government has devised a multi-pronged strategy to win the battle against the scourge of the coronavirus. Technical strategy, humanitarian approach, economic/financial assistance and medical support are in place to handle the crisis.

Technical strategy

We have, in the first of its kind in India, high-tech war rooms to monitor, exchange information, and to keep a tab on the spread of the coronavirus. Officials are engaged in the management of the crisis at Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), Labour Department and Information Department war rooms.

BBMP war room: The BBMP has surveillance data of people in an eight-kilometre radius around a confirmed patient, where he was first found to reside. The BBMP tracks the mobile phones of quarantined people through their GPS location.

If they are going beyond the containment zone, we will call them and ask them to go back home. The police will send the BBMP their names and tracking details. The general control room numbers and WhatsApp numbers are working for COVID-19 too. Also, Karnataka has developed ‘Corona Watch App’ mobile applications for monitoring people under quarantine and inform their contacts about the same to check the spread of the coronavirus.

Information Department: Friends, being anxious is not a solution to the problem. To clarify your doubts, please join the largest Telegram group in India on the coronavirus – ‘COVID-19 Karnataka: Sahaya Group’, a team of doctors from the ESI Directorate are working 24x7 in responding to queries from citizens. In a week, about 21,000 people have joined and got answers for every query on COVID-19.

After the coronavirus outbreak, the Janasnehi team of the Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) began getting a huge number of queries from the public on the disease. There was panic, rumours and fake news spreading rapidly. The DIPR realised we needed to kill the fake news and give out the right information so that people will not panic.

The DIPR Janasnehi team started operating like a COVID Awareness and Response centre for the general public giving the right information and spreading awareness to people apart from debunking fake news through its Twitter handle. A team of 3,000 volunteers has been set up, with four volunteers in each taluk on field, monitored by the DIPR and the Red Cross, to stop fake news from the field.

I am in touch with District Collectors through a video conferencing facility, and the highlights of the meetings are updated on my Twitter account @CMofKarnataka for your convenience.

Labour Department: The Labour Department is already running a 24x7 helpline, called the ‘Dasoha line’ (155214) and a war room, in association with the DIPR which receives the demand for food (both dry ration and cooked food) from all over the State and then channelises that into the other departments, BBMP, etc in real time.

The helpline receives about 3,000 calls per day and is increasing. The calls are attended and the citizens are either directed to the nearest food centre or ration/cooked food is being arranged to reach near them.

Eager to stall migration, Karnataka has launched the hunger helpline. A coordinated ‘Dasoha’ scheme will ensure that everybody is covered under the scheme and nobody in Karnataka goes to bed without food. Also, the government has directed Deputy Commissioners to take over one convention centre or wedding hall in every ward within municipal corporation limits to house construction labourers and migrant workers.

On Instagram: Of late, the Department of Medical Education and the Government of Karnataka are active on Instagram — ‘Karnataka Kills Corona’ —to spread awareness on the coronavirus.

Medical support

The State Health Minister B. Sriramulu, Medical Education Minister Dr. K. Sudhakar, and Information Department of the State government are working with exceptional co-ordination throughout the State to fight the menace.

I appeal to you all to cooperate in following the measures announced by the Centre and State governments.

In Bengaluru, several hospitals have been listed as ‘designated first response hospitals’ for COVID-19. For instance, in Victoria Hospital alone, around 1,700 beds have been set up.

I sincerely request you all to please not to pay heed to fake news doing the rounds on social media platforms. The government will be updating the relevant numbers, measures, and instructions every day about the issue.

Also, new COVID-19 helpline numbers (080-46848600 and 080-66692000) are now functional apart from the existing helpline number 104. In both these helpline numbers, a senior doctor and two post-graduate medical students are available throughout the day to assist volunteers in answering the queries of citizens more knowledgeably. I have appealed to people not to rush to hospitals; call the helpline if symptoms aggravate. The best medical care and isolation facilities are just one call away.

It is at this moment that only sick and patients requiring emergency care might visit hospitals for treatment at medical college hospitals/district hospitals/super-speciality hospitals and autonomous institutions. To avoid overcrowding and halt the spread of COVID-19, private hospitals have been instructed to take similar steps.

Economic assistance

During the crisis, it is the utmost duty of the government to take care of the vulnerable sections of society. In this direction, the Prime Minister and the Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, have made a timely intervention to address the problems of the livelihood of labourers. The rolling out of the Garib Kalyan Yojana scheme, of ₹1.7-lakh crore, when the country is struggling hard to fight the coronavirus menace has brought relief in this hour of crisis. The most striking feature of the Garib Kalyan Yojana is a supply of five kilogram rice or wheat and one kilogram pulses to 80 crore people. People living below the poverty line will not be hungry when they remain indoors during the lockdown period.

Likewise, the Karnataka government will release social security pension of two months in advance for the poor, additional working days amount will be released in advance under the Mahatma Gandhi Employment Guarantee Act scheme and two months ration will be supplied immediately. Also, 21 lakh construction workers will be paid ₹1,000 per person. Under the Badavara Bandhu (interest-free loan to roadside vendors) scheme, we have decided to waive ₹13.20 crore loans. This includes ₹9.10 crore in 2018-19 benefiting 15,120 people, and ₹5.16 crore in 2019-20, benefiting 6,500 people. Also, my Cabinet has already earmarked a corpus fund of ₹200 crore as “immediate expenses” to fight the outbreak.

Humanitarian approach

As a part of the humane approach, the State-run Indira Canteens will provide food packets free of cost to the poor and needy in the wake of the lockdown. The canteens will operate in three schedules: from 7.30 a.m. to 10 a.m., 12.30 p.m. to 3 p.m. and 7.30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Streetside vendors, labourers and poor will get food free of cost.

I have directed officials to popularise “vicinity marketing” and make the people purchase essential items from shops, vendors and hawkers in their area and surroundings.

I hope you are convinced that our approach to fighting the coronavirus pandemic is on a war-footing. I request the ever generous people of the State to contribute to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund Covid-19. Or you can send your cheque or DD to Chief Minister’s Relief Fund, Vidhana Soudha.

Leaders across the political spectrum are with the people of Karnataka in these testing times. I acknowledge and appreciate the relentless service of the ‘health warriors’ who are attending the call of duty round the clock. I am overwhelmed by your messages on social media expressing gratitude to our health warriors. Similarly, please do cooperate with police personnel in your area. Our ‘Khaki warriors’ are discharging their duty in every corner of the State to ensure a stringent lockdown.

Friends, your patience and cooperation are crucial to fight the COVID-19 menace. With concerted efforts, we will overcome the challenge.

B.S. Yediyurappa is the Chief Minister of Karnataka

Five bridges across the Vaigai off limits

Four others have been reserved for emergency situations

31/03/2020, SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT,MADURAI

Madurai City police have temporarily closed down five bridges across Vaigai river for effective implementation of curfew.

A statement said that Kuruvikkaran Salai bridge, a road laid on the riverbed parallel to it, Obulapadithurai causeway, MGR Bridge, Amma Bridge and Raja Mill Bridge would be closed.

The police have also reserved Albert Victor Bridge, Yanaikkal New Bridge, PTR Bridge and Kamarajar Bridge for emergency situations such as medical emergencies and movement of essential commodities.

200 cases booked

Meanwhile, Madurai City Police and Rural District Police have intensified action against violators of the prohibitory order. The city police booked over 200 cases on Monday. The rural police booked 225 cases and arrested 294 on Sunday. Also, 196 vehicles were seized.

Commissioner of Police S. Davidson Devasirvatham said the crowd was relatively less on the streets on Monday compared to the previous day. Shutting down Thayir Market and halting retail sales at Central Vegetable Market at Mattuthavani and, instead, opening vegetable shops at vantage locations helped prevent crowding.

10 passes issued

Out of 500 or more applications seeking passes for movement, only around 10 had been issued. “I am personally clearing the applications and most of the reasons cited were not of emergency nature,” he said.

Only applications citing medical grounds, marriage and funeral were being accepted, he added.

The district police have so far booked 609 cases for violation of the curfew order, arrested 761 persons and seized 487 vehicles

In a statement, Superintendent of Police N. Manivannan said the district police was creating awareness of the importance to remain indoors and maintain social distancing through the public address system in various places.

Adequate security had been provided to implement the curfew in the district. As a measure to make people keep indoors, the district police had tie-up with 66 shops for home delivery of essential goods.

All for your morning brew

31/03/2020, SANJANA GANESH,MADURAI

P. Arumugam, a milk man, making the delivery in Madurai, wearing a mask and gloves. R. Ashok

“What's the point in sitting at home?” says P. Arumugam, a supplier of cow’s milk in the city.

It is Sunday and Aarumugam has delivered milk in several areas, including Melamadai, Gomathipuram and Anna Nagar, by 9 a.m. He will soon be heading to K. Pudur and Lake area, his final stop for the morning. “I also make deliveries in the evening. My day usually ends at 7 p.m.,” he says.

And in the wake of COVID-19, there has been a spike in demand. “People who go to work usually buy milk in small quantities, as they have cofee or tea at their workplace or stalls nearby. Now that they are confined to their homes, their consumption has doubled,” he points out.

Arumugam wakes up at 3 a.m. to milk his cows. It been his practice for the last 23 years. In the present situation, milkmen like him must take safety precautions voluntarily to prevent any local transmission, he feels. “We do not want to be carriers. Since the lockdown on March 22, our group has been wearing gloves and masks.”

Hence, in between trips, he makes a minimum of three stops to wash his hands and face. “We have families and cannot risk the spread of infection. As soon as I reach home, I shower and wash my clothes to ensure that we are all safe.”

Ask him about any problem in procuring masks and he rues that a number of milkmen do have an issue. But, thanks to doctors and paramedics to whom they supply milk, they got some masks.

“We too were prepared in advance and stocked some.”

Arumugam says that though the job is risky, he will do his duty because it is his only means of livelihood. Add to that his joy in milking the cows and caring for them.

“But this is mostly for all of you. How will you do without your coffee and tea?” he says.

Mask, the prized possession now

31/03/2020, STAFF REPORTER,MADURAI

People stand on designated areas to maintain social distancing outside a medical shop at Goripalayam in Madurai on Monday. S. James

“Most medical shops in the city are closed and I am unable to buy sanitisers or masks for my family,” says S. Namrita, a software engineer and resident of Anna Nagar. “Even shops that are open have long lines and close down early.”

So, when she drives her bike to pick up essential goods for home, she has no choice but to cover herself with a dupatta.

A Public Health official says only around 40% of the pharmacies in the city are open and most of them belong to big players. “You will observe that most of them are either part of a large chain of hospitals or big establishments. Small pharmacies face a lot of problem in enforcing physical distancing and there is a lot of rush. Hence, police ask them to down shutters,” he contends.

A pharmacist at Apollo Pharmacy in K.K. Nagar says they are yet to receive the regular stock of masks and sanitisers. “When it arrives, it sells in a matter of hours. It is close to impossible to find N95 masks now.”

He attributes it to hoarding and panic buying, which may not be useful.

K. S. Sheik Mudhisir at Bawa Medicals in Goripalayam says the shop has a limited stock of hand sanitiser, masks and gloves. “Half a litre of sanitiser costs ₹495 and masks are priced at ₹16. Customers wait in long lines and so we have provided chairs placed at intervals. Since many shops near their areas are closed, people are forced to travel long distances to buy protective gear.”

A pharmacist from Velu Medicals in Anna Nagar says the shop has put up a sign saying ‘No masks, no sanitisers.’ There is global need for the two items at the moment and increasing production is the only answer.

A Public Health official requesting anonymity says masks are not a necessity unless one is in a crowded area. “We have made efforts to ensure social distancing in all shops. However, we are not discouraging people from wearing masks. They can do so if they deem it necessary.”

Prohibition of slaughter (Third Editorial)

31/03/2020

The Government of India, in reply to the appeal submitted by Mr. M.D. Layangia to H.E. the Viceroy, asking for the prohibition of the slaughter and export of the milch cows and agricultural animals, stated that the matter would be duly considered by the Government. The Hon’ble Mr. Khaparde in response to the request made to him to take interest in the matter has expressed his willingness to move the resolution, that steps be taken by legislation and otherwise to discourage, and wherever practicable prevent, in the interest of economy and the increase of agricultural produce generally, the slaughter of milch cows and agricultural animals and their export out of India, at the next meeting of the Imperial Legislative Council. Mr. Lavangia has also requested the President of the Madras Provincial Congress Committee asking them to give their support to this cause by passing resolutions at public meetings in all towns and cities.

A threat to food security

Keeping global food chains alive is crucial amid the COVID-19 crisis

31/03/2020, QU DONGYU

The COVID-19 pandemic is putting an enormous strain on public health systems around the world. Millions of people are in some form of quarantine. We know that the human toll will be high, and that efforts to turn the tide carry a heavy economic cost. To reduce the risk of an even greater toll — shortage of food for millions — the world must take immediate actions to minimise disruptions to food supply chains. A globally coordinated and coherent response is needed to prevent this public health crisis from triggering a food crisis in which people cannot find or afford food. For now, COVID-19 has not entailed any strain on food security, despite anecdotal reports of crowded supermarket sieges. While there’s no need to panic — there is enough supply of food in the world to feed everyone — we must prepare to face the enormous risk that food may not be made available where it is needed.

Disrupting food supply

The COVID-19 outbreak, with all the accompanying closures and lockdowns, has created logistical bottlenecks that ricochet across the long value chains of the modern global economy. Restrictions of movement, as well as basic aversion behaviour by workers, may impede farmers from farming and food processors (who handle most agricultural products) from processing. Shortage of fertilizers, veterinary medicines and other input could also affect agricultural production. Closures of restaurants and less frequent grocery shopping diminish demand for fresh produce and fisheries products, affecting producers and suppliers, especially smallholder farmers, with long-term consequences for the world’s increasingly urbanised population.

Uncertainty about food availability can induce policymakers to implement trade restrictive measures in order to safeguard national food security. Given the experience of the 2007-2008 global food price crisis, we know that such measures can only exacerbate the situation. Export restrictions put in place by exporting countries to increase food availability domestically could lead to serious disruptions in the world food market, resulting in price spikes and increased price volatility. In 2007-08, these immediate measures proved extremely damaging, especially for low-income food-deficit countries and to the efforts of humanitarian organisations to procure supplies for the needy and vulnerable.

Steps forward

We should all learn from our recent past and not make the same mistakes twice. Policymakers must take care to avoid accidentally tightening food supply conditions. While every country faces its own challenges, collaboration between governments and the full gamut of sectors and stakeholders is paramount. We are experiencing a global problem that requires a global response. We must ensure that food markets are functioning properly and that information on prices, production, consumption and stocks of food is available to all in real time. This approach will reduce uncertainty and allow producers, consumers, traders and processors to make informed decisions and to contain unwarranted panic behaviour in global food markets.

The health impacts of the unfolding pandemic on some of the poorest countries are still unknown. Yet, we can say with certainty that any ensuing food crisis as a result of poor policymaking will be a humanitarian disaster that we can avert. We already have 113 million people experiencing acute hunger; in sub-Saharan Africa, a quarter of the population is undernourished. Any disruptions to food supply chains will intensify both human suffering and the challenge of reducing hunger around the world. We must do everything possible to not let that happen. Prevention costs less. Global markets are critical for smoothening supply and demand shocks across countries and regions, and we need to work together to ensure that disruptions of food supply chains are minimised as much as possible. COVID-19 forcefully reminds us that solidarity is not charity, but common sense.

Qu Dongyu is Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Unavailability of alcohol sends addicts to hospital

From a maximum of five patients a day, the number has increased to 90

31/03/2020, K SHIVA SHANKER,HYDERABAD

Deprived of regular dose of alcohol, addicts are suffering from seizures and delirium.

The number of people visiting the Institute of Mental Health (IMH), Erragadda, with severe alcohol withdrawal effects has seen a dramatic increase after the lockdown in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Usually, a maximum of five persons suffering from withdrawal effects visit IMH. However, the number touched 16 on Saturday, 25 on Sunday and 90 on Monday.

Along with other commercial establishments, liquor shops too have been shut for over a week as part of efforts to contain the spread of the virus.

Severe effects

Deprived of their regular dose of alcohol, addicts have slipped from symptoms such as restlessness and trembling, to severe effects such as seizures and delirium. Though people have been holding on to the hope that exemption might be made for chronic alcoholics if a doctor prescribes daily consumption of certain amount of alcohol, psychiatrists debunked the idea.

They said no doctor will prescribe alcohol to patients, even as little as two or three pegs, as the body will only demand more.

Detoxification and de-addiction treatment was strongly suggested as the path to recovery. Liquor shops were closed in the State on March 22.

IMH’s superintendent M. Uma Shankar said that when an addict is denied alcohol, he initially suffers from effects such as trembling, anxiousness, sleeplessness at night and perspiration. He is unable to sit in one place.

“After two or three days, they might develop severe effects such as seizures and delirium — acute confusion where people will be disoriented about time, place, people,” Dr. Uma Shankar said.

Psychiatrists at IMH said they were also seeing people who were hallucinating in the past few days.

Detoxification process

When a person walks in with the problem, his blood pressure, pulse rate and respiration are checked. As chronic alcoholics do not eat on time, they suffer from hypoglycemia. Dehydration and weakness too are observed.

Fluids and detoxifying agents are given as part of treatment. People suffering from delirium and seizures are admitted.

Dr. Uma Shankar said the detoxification process lasts eight to 10 days. “Time for de-addiction treatment depends on whether the patient cooperates, and if there is family support,” he said.

Varsity staff donate to Relief Fund

31/03/2020,PUDUCHERRY

Vice-Chancellor of Annamalai University V. Murugesan has announced that all the teaching and non-teaching staff of the university will contribute a day's salary to the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister’s Public Relief Fund to combat COVID-19.

LPG refills can only be booked 15 days after delivery

Oil companies have put in place a mechanism to prevent panic booking

31/03/2020, SPECIAL CORRESPONDENTCHENNAI

The IVRS system has been programmed to tell consumers that they will have to wait for their turn. K. V. Srinivasan

In an effort to prevent panic bookings of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) refills, oil companies have put in place temporary measures that will be in force till the lifting of COVID-19 lockdown.

Now, if a consumer books and gets a 14.2kg domestic refill, he can make the next booking only after 15 days. The IVRS system that makes the bookings has been programmed to tell consumers that they will have to wait for their turn.

Distributors said that this would help prevent unnecessary cancellations. “Consumers book even if they have a spare cylinder on hand as they are fully dependent on cooking at home. Families at home means more cooking and snacks too, thereby additional LPG usage,” explained a distributor. Cancellation is also being allowed on the respective oil company's app after only one try.

Earlier, if the customer was not available or door was locked, the delivery person had to make three tries and the cancellation of the booking could be done only at the distributorship.

Oil industry sources explained that in place of say 85,000 bookings a day in Chennai region, they were getting 1.15 lakh bookings. This has also led to increase in backlog in supplies of about 3-5 days.

“We are unable to serve genuine customers,” said another distributor.

Police issue passes with QR code

31/03/2020, S. VIJAY KUMAR,   CHENNAI

The Chennai police, who initially started issuing passes manually, have now introduced an online system with QR code. People exempted from the prohibitory orders like those in government service, doctors, media persons and others seeking passes for exigencies were told to apply in person or send a mail to specialpasscovid19.gcp@ gmail.com.

Those applying online will be sent a link that will open a format to upload a photograph, contact particulars etc. While passes are being issued online, the police hit upon the idea of sending QR code passes.

A special team under the supervision of ACP (South) Prem Anand Sinha worked with Thinkinfinity, an IT firm, and launched the scheme.

“Now passes are also being issued online in QR code format. People can download the code on their mobile phone and show it to police at check points. Officials in the rank of Sub-Inspector and above can scan the QR code on their mobile phone and access all the details of the user. We have started issuing QR code passes since Saturday,” a police official said.

Veggies cheaper, meat prices soar

31/03/2020, SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT,CHENNAI

The T. Nagar vegetable market began functioning from a ground opposite Natesan Park on Monday. S.R. RAGHUNATHANS_R_Raghunathan

While prices of several vegetables dropped on Monday, meat was sold at an exorbitant rate in the city.

Transportation played a significant role in the availability of the produce and in determining the price, said traders. The retail market in T. Nagar near the Mambalam railway station was shifted to a playground in front of Dr. Natesan Park where around 25 makeshift shops were set up. This came as a relief to the consumers who were able to buy vegetables at low prices. The market will run from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. till the lockdown is lifted.

Shenbagam, a vegetable seller, said the price of vegetables were the same as in the market.

“I pay ₹200 to ₹300 to transport vegetables from Koyambedu market. I have made only that much today. There are no facilities or even a toilet here,” she said.

Murugan, a fruit seller, said the returns from his investment would be meagre.

At the Koyambedu wholesale market too, vegetables were sold for prices that were 10% lower on Monday. It received only 200-230 truckloads of vegetables against its normal 450 truckloads.

S. Chandran, president, Koyambedu Wholesale Vegetable Market Association, said most traders brought fewer trucks because there were not many takers.

Only 20%-30% of the retail traders from other places such as Kancheepuram, Arni and Arakkonam visited the market due to restrictions in vehicle movement.

Stock clearance

Most vegetables were sold at a nominal rate to reduce stock as sales was restricted to stipulated time.

The association had been providing free lunch for 1,000 labourers as food availability was a challenge because of lockdown.

Mutton prices hovered between ₹1,000 and ₹ 1,400 a kg and chicken between ₹200 and ₹230 a kg.

According to Jaikumar, a meat vendor at T. Nagar, logistics was a major hassle.

Saraswathi, who runs a meat stall on Boag Road, said: “We buy goats from Poonamallee. After the coronavirus scare, we are finding it difficult to get goats. We usually buy a goat for ₹7,500. Today, we shelled out ₹9,000 for a goat that weighed 8.5 kg.”

According to estimates, sales of poultry, mutton and fish market in Chennai alone was pegged at ₹2,500 crore. Nishanth Chandran, CEO, Tendercuts, said that mutton prices had gone up because of demand.

9,200 apply for emergency passes, only 207 get them

Some sought relief for frivolous reasons: Commissioner

31/03/2020, SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT,CHENNAI

Looking for a way out: Applicants waiting in queue in front of the Chennai Police Commissioner’s office for emergency passes on Monday. R. RAGUR_Ragu

Over 9,200 people applied to Chennai police seeking emergency passes to travel outside the city but 207 passes were issued on Monday.

The police officers said most of the applicants did not come with proper reasons to travel on emergency grounds. For the second day on Monday, hundreds started gathering in front of the Police Commissioner’s office to enquire about the status of their application.

S. Ramachandran, a fisherman in Kasimedu, said, “A few fishermen from Thoothukdui came here for fishing two weeks ago and are stranded. So I came here to get emergency passes for their travel back to Thoothukudi. But we were denied pass after waiting for a day here.”

Hari of Kumbakonam said, “I came here for treatment to my mother who is a diabetic. She was discharged on March 24. But we could not go back. Now we have got the emergency pass.”

Special control room

A special control room of the city police has been functioning since Sunday to help people who need to travel due to emergencies. Those who seek passes for such purposes should produce necessary evidence and the required documents for identity with a letter of request.

The pass can be used by those who require to travel outside city to other parts of the State or a place outside the State, for emergencies like deaths, marriage or medical emergencies of their own family members only.

Deputy Commissioner of Police H. Jayalakshmi said, “More than 9,200 persons applied for emergency passes and 207 passes were issued after thorough scrutiny of application and documents produced. Some of them submitted frivolous reasons for emergency passes. In such cases, we are not issuing passes.”

Commissioner of Police A.K.Viswanathan said, “The emergency passes will be issued only to those who have emergencies like deaths, marriage or medical emergencies of their own family members only. Such passes will not be issued for any other reasons.”

Meanwhile, people who want to come to Chennai from other districts on emergency purposes can mail to ccwtnpolice@gmail at temporary control room in DGP’s office, Mylapore. Those who want to travel between the districts can approach this control room, according to a release.