Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has said that work will be done on long term and short term plans in the State to control corona. Full attention will be paid to hold economic activities in the State with adequate precautions and to provide employment to the labourers during the lockdown period. At present, more than 17 lakh labourers have got work under the MGNREGA in the State and a concrete arrangement has been made for their sustenance.
Last year only 11 lakh labourers got work In this way, more than 6 lakh needy people have been linked with work during the Corona crisis. There will be continuous efforts towards self-reliant India and self-reliant Madhya Pradesh. Chouhan was interacting with representatives of media through video conferencing at Mantralaya on Thursday. He said that the suggestions received from the media are important which will prove useful in controlling corona.
Chouhan said that media is a pillar of democracy. As such, the media has always had a different place. When the country, state and the general public face any challenge, suggestions of the media to handle them always prove to be helpful.
He further said that corona virus is being controlled effectively in Madhya Pradesh. Recovery rate is increasing in the state and it has become 48 percent. Aggressive sampling has been started in the state. Lockdown is the only measure for protection from corona.
Lockdown has been declared thrice by the Prime Minister. Chouhan said that of course he is especially grateful to the role of media in this hour of crisis, because media generated the consciousness among the public by considering it as its social responsibility. Now Lockdown-4 is being talked about. This has been left to the states by the Prime Minister. So, he thought about discussing it with his media friends. Chouhan said that he is confident that with the cooperation of the media and society, an effective strategy is being implemented.
Chouhan informed that better arrangements have been for treatment in the state. The number of beds has been increased continuously in the state. As many as one lakh beds will be ready soon. He further stated that it is a fact that there is no vaccine available at present to prevent corona, hence one has to learn to live with it.
We will have to generate awareness in the society. The cooperation of media is essential in generating public awareness. Migrant workers are returning. Humanitarian concerns have also been taken into consideration for the labourers of other states. Don't let feelings of disappointment emerge in the society. Initially the death rate was high. Now our recovery rate is higher. Patient will recover if the treatment is done on time. Maintain the enthusiasm and confidence of the society.
These feelings can be generated by media. Crisis management groups have been formed. Discussions have also taken place with politicians and prominent people of the society. In this order, the suggestions of the media will also be helpful in moving in the right direction. Expressing gratitude to the members of the media, Chouhan said that the suggestions given by them on Corona and Lockdown will help in deciding further strategy. The Principal Secretary, Public Relations Anupam Rajan, Commissioner Public Relations Sudam Khade along with Director and Additional Secretary to CM Om Prakash Shrivastava were present at the video conferencing.
Key suggestions received from media representatives. Girija Shankar said that everyone has to get in the habit of living with Corona. Normal public life should be restored in the green zone. There should be no excessive checking by the police force in such areas.
Vijay Chaudhary said that doctors' dispensaries should open. Schools, colleges and places of worship should not be opened right now. Special care should be taken of senior citizens who are living alone.