In view of a spike in Covid-19 cases in the state and restrictions imposed on gatherings, Himachal Cabinet on Tuesday recommended the cancellation of the winter session of the State Assembly slated to be held from December 7 to 11 at Dharamshala.
The cabinet meeting held under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur also decided that random sampling would be done to identify infected persons at an early stage in the state.
After the meeting, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Suresh Bhardwaj said that the State Government has decided not to convene the proposed winter Assembly session at Dharamshala this month due to recent spurt in COVID-19 cases.
The government would recommend to the Governor to withdraw the earlier notification of convening the winter session from December 7 to 11, he said. The Minister said that the last monsoon session was adjourned on September 18 and as per rules, the next assembly session may be called anytime before six months.
The next assembly session will be called before March 18, he added.
During the meeting, the Cabinet has decided that all the Ministers, MPs, MLAs would not hold any public functions and hold virtual functions by strictly adhering to the standard operating procedures (SOPs) issued by the State Government from time to time.
It also decided that for all the social gatherings such as marriages, birthday parties, mundans etc, permission of local SDM would be mandatory and Executive Magistrates would be mandated to effectively enforce the SOPs, said an official spokesman.
Expressing concern over the rapid surge in COVID-19 cases in Himachal, the cabinet also decided that containment zones would be strictly enforced to break the chain of virus. Random sampling would be done to identify affected persons at early stage to avoid further transmission, he said.
It decided that all the Ministers would ensure effective implementation of Him Suraksha campaign in their assigned districts. They would also ensure effective steps to contain COVID-19 cases at all levels including reviewing arrangements in medical institutions etc, the spokesman said.
Mahila Mandals would also be co-opted into Him Surksha campaign and anti-COVID-19 campaign in the state. Apart from this, young volunteers would also be involved in the campaign to carry the message of safety regarding the virus, he added.
Atal Tunnel Security Unit to be created
The cabinet has approval to create Atal Tunnel Security Unit in the strength of Kullu and Lahaul-Spiti district Police Establishments for security and other matters related to Atal Tunnel Rohtang, the spokesman said. He said it was decided to create 64 posts of different categories, 32 each in Kullu and Lahaul-Spiti district. Each Security Unit would be provided two 4x4 wheel drive vehicles and a motorcycle for effective traffic management and security policing, he added.