Srinagar, April 14 (KNS):Congress today backed the Prime Minister's lockdown decision, saying that extension of lockdown is on expected lines, as the need was felt by all, including the Chief Ministers and entire opposition, in view of the advise from health authorities but regretted that some o measures and issues raked up as per various experiences during the ongoing lockdown period, have not been adequately taken care of and addressed, while extending the lockdown.
Reacting to the announcement made today, JKPCC Chief Spokesperson Ravinder Sharma said that it was almost agreed by all to fight the coronavirus hand in hand with the govt and follow the advisories of the government but there were various areas of concern and attention, which the government was suggested to take care of but has not happened today. He said the stranded people including labourers, students and others, struck up in different parts away from their homes are in great distress, in the absence of adequate money, provision of food and ration, inadequate govt support so far.
According to statement issued to KNS, the party has highlighted following areas of concern, which require immediate attention and due consideration of the Centre government and administration of JK UT.
1 Large numbers of labourers, students and others from J&K are struck up in different neighbouring states, besides those others who have completed their quarantine periods. They should be bright back, immediately , those requiring tests, should be subjected to tests and those need quarantine, be done so in the nearby localities of their native places . Till then, adequate arrangements for their food and safe shelter should be made.
2, There are large numbers of migrant labourers from other states in J and K especially various parts of Jammu province, most of whom have no fixed employers. They are worst affected and are not getting adequate ration etc. The efforts of private organizations including Congress workers is welcome but still lot more needs to be done by the govt to ensure full stomach food to them and others essential items like milk, medicines etc for them and their children.
3,The farmers are worried about the standing crops, ready for harvesting, as untimely rains etc can play havoc to their crops and their only source of income. The govt should consider the systematic provision for the agricultural activity while following the advisory for them.
4,There are several people who are undergoing treatment for some life consuming diseases, which require periodic treatments like chemotherapy, dialysis and other such ailments besides expecting mothers. They are not getting proper facilities for the to and from transport and treatment. Adequate arrangements for such emergency cases should be made henceforth.
4, There are several cases who are struck up, since announcement of first lockdown, in the districts or areas, other than the places of their respective residences. There are no specific guidelines or transparent system to allow them and it is purely the whims and choice of the concerned authorities, which makes more or less arbitrary. The authorities should apply mind based on certain guidelines and facts and circumstances of of the individual requests, especially in view of forthcoming Holy month of Ramzan also.
5, The students community is continuously suffering due to slow speed of Internet. The online teaching, learning process remains limited to few privileged only who have broadband facilities that too mostly in cities only. The common and poor children especially of rural areas are worst hit and would be at great loss as compared to their privileged counterparts. The government should sympathetically consider the restoration 4G services, like in past too militancy was fought and defeated without such long disruption in the net services.
5, The migratory section of the tribal community and others who are on move to upper reaches, are facing hardships in the absence of any clear and declared policy by the govt, so far, as a result there is confusion at various levels in the administration. The govt should publicly announce its policy towards them and pass on appropriate instructions to all concerned including any specific advisories in the matter.
6, The number of tests and testing facilities need to be further increased and expanded in terms of numbers and areas. The facilities are comparatively on lower side in Jammu region thus facilities for the testing and treatment require further upgradation. THE funds being collected from J and K, to the PM CARE fund should largely be diverted towards upgradation of health infrastructure and health care facilities including adequate quantity of Protection gears for doctors, paramedics, Nursing staff, safaiwalas and other Frontline workers, in Jammu and Kashmir. The MPs of Jammu should also come forward to provide funds, which is available in abundance with most of them, as their MPLADs are either untouched or unspent. The lives and health of people is the top priority.
The party has hoped that the UT administration and the Centre government would consider these suggestions in the larger interests of people, while extending full cooperation and appealing people to strictly follow the govt instructions for their safety and safety of all.(KNS)