New Delhi: Under attack for allegedly neglecting Covid19 crisis and focusing more on West Bengalelections and addressing rallies with massive gatherings, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday announced that he would cancel his visit to the poll-bound state on Friday.
"Tomorrow, will be chairing high-level meetings to review the prevailing COVID-19 situation. Due to that, I would not be going to West Bengal," the Prime Minister tweeted making it clearthat now the principal focus of his government is to take the Covid19 challenge head on and save people's lives.
Of course, the Prime Minister has been nevertheless holding a series of Covid19 related meetings including with officials, pharma manufacturers and experts.
The central government on Thursday issued a directive under the stringent Disaster Management Act 2005 in the wake of reports that some states 'blocked supply of medical oxygen' to other states.The spike in coronavirus cases had created growing demand for oxygen. The directive has been issued by Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla says that the district magistrate and superintendent of police of the district concerned will be held responsible if there is any violation.
Mr Modi also chaired a high-level meeting to review oxygen supply across the country.
The Prime Minister asked the states to act against any hoarding of oxygen and directed officials to ensure that the oxygen supply to various states happens in a smooth, unhindered manner.He called for 'fixing responsibility' with the local administration in cases of obstruction.
There shall be free movement of oxygen carrying vehicles into the cities, without any restriction of timings, while also enabling inter-city supply without any restriction, the central government said. “No authority shall attach the oxygen carrying vehicles passing through the district or areas for making supplies specific to any particular district or area,” it said.
Supply of oxygen for industrial purposes, except those (nine specified industries) exempted by the government, is prohibited from April 22, 2021 and till further orders.
Home Secretary Bhalla said the availability of adequate and uninterrupted supply of medical oxygen is an important prerequisite for managing moderate and severe cases of Covid-19.
"Therefore, to ensure the uninterrupted supply of medical oxygen across the country for management of Covid-19 patients, in exercise of powers conferred under section of the DM Act, the undersigned, in the capacity as chairperson, National Executive Committee, hereby directs the state and Union Territory governments and state and Union Territory authorities to ensure the following measures within their areas of jurisdiction," the home secretary said.
No restrictions shall be imposed on oxygen manufacturers and suppliers to limit the oxygen supplies only to the hospitals of the state and the union territory in which they are located, it said.
Nationwide, the Corona crisis has so far claimed the lives of 183,000 people.
On Thursday, the number of total cases in India shot up to 15.6 million with 13.5 million recovery.
In Delhi, total casualty figures due to corona has shot up to 12,638. In Maharashtra, the total casualty figures has shot up to 61,343. Karnataka has so far recorded 13,646 deaths followed by Tamil Nadu at 13,205.
The challenge to deal with the pandemic has grown manifold due to related problems like economic crisis if there is shutdown, shortage of oxygen and even the striking farmers maintaining an unreasonable defiance.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday thanked the centre for enhancing Delhi's quota for oxygen.
Prez Kovind, PM Modi, others condole demise of Sitaram Yechury's son due to Covid
New Delhi: President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi were among a galaxy of nationalleaders who mourned the demise of CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury's son, Ashish, due to Covid19.
"It is with great sadness that I have to inform that I lost my elder son, Ashish Yechury to COVID-19 this morning,"the veteran Marxist tweeted earlier on Thursday morning. "I want to thank all those who gave us hope and who treated him - doctors, nurses, frontline health workers, sanitation workers and innumerable others who stood by us," he wrote in the micro blogging site.
The CPI(M) party also issued a statement stating: "We are deeply sorry to announce the passing away this morning of Ashish Yechury, son of SitaramYechury and Indrani Mazumdar. He died of Covid related complications. He was 35 years old. CPI(M) PolitBuro conveys its deepest condolences to the family."
President Kovind in a message said, "Grieved beyond words to learn about the untimely demise of Shri Ashish Yechury. In this moment of profound grief, my deepest condolences to Shri Sitaram Yechury, his family and loved ones".
"May you find the strength to bear this irreparable loss".
In his twitter message, Prime Minister Modi wrote: "Condolences to Shri Sitaram Yechury Ji and his family on the tragic and untimely demise of his son, Ashish. Om Shanti".
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi also expressed condolences to Yechury and his family and said,"There are no words at a time like this, only prayers. May you have courage".
External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar in his missive wrote: "Sita, grieved beyond words to learn of your loss. May you find strength at this very difficult moment".
Actor Anupam Kher also tweeted saying: "My heartfelt condolences to you and to your family for this tragic loss. May God give you all the courage to deal with this heartbreaking sadness! Om Shanti!"
Several others have mourned the sad demise of Ashish Yechury.
Nationwide, the Wuhanvirus has so far claimed the lives of 183,000 people.
On Thursday, the number of total cases in India shot up to 15.6 million with 13.5 million recovery.
In Delhi, total casualty figures due to corona has shot up to 12,638.
In Maharashtra, the total casualty figures has shot up to 61,343.
Karnataka has so far recorded 13,646 deaths followed by Tamil Nadu at 13,205.
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