THREE-MONTH SHORT TERM PLAN TO TACKLE COVID-19 PANDEMIC: MAMATA ; ANNOUNCES OF DIVIDING RED ZONE INTO THREE PARTS

Kolkata, (thestates.news)  As the toll due to Covid-19 in Bengal rose to 126 and confirmed cases touched 2173 in the state with 110 more cases on Tuesday, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has stressed on a three-month short term plan to tackle the pandemic situation and announced of dividing the Red Zone into three parts.
“Don’t think we will get relief from the Covid-19 crisis anytime soon. We should have
a three-month short term plan in place to tackle the situation,” she said.
Addressing a press conference at the state secretariat Nabanna after holding a review
meeting with state officials on Tuesday, Ms Banerjee said the Red Zone will be divided
into three parts – A, B and C and underlined the need for three-month short term plan to
tackle the pandemic situation.
“The red zones would be further divided into three categories. Steps would also be
taken to restart the 100-day work scheme in the non-containment areas,” she said.
However, the chief minister said some relaxations will be given to a few particular
sectors such as manufacturing, construction and fisheries.
The famous cottage industry of the state will also be given some boost.
“Our government is giving free food grains to all ration card holders and this will
continue for the next three months,” she said.
Talking about her interaction with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his video
conference with chief ministers on Monday, Ms Banerjee said Bengal gained nothing
from the meeting and was left “empty-handed”.
The Centre is yet to clear the “legitimate financial dues” of the state, she claimed.
“I have raised several issues during the meeting with PM. But I must say we always
return empty-handed after our meetings with the PM. We are yet to get our dues,” the
chief minister said.
Referring to the communal clashes that broke out in Hooghly district last week, she
said action will be taken against those found guilty.
Ms Banerjee slammed a section of BJP leaders for allegedly instigating communal
clashes and said that those found guilty will not be spared.
“Stern action will be taken against those involved in communal clashes amid the
lockdown. No one will be spared if found guilty,” she added.
“People are already under so much stress due to this COVID-19 crisis. Add to that,
some leaders are writing provocative posts to create problems.
Referring to the migrant workers, she said that about one lakh migrant workers had
already returned to Bengal and there would be 100 more such trains to bring back the
others.
“No one should worry. Even our government is taking necessary measures to bring
back the migrant labourers stranded in various parts of India,” Ms Banerjee said,
adding that everyone would be brought back to Bengal.uni