Ministers’ panel talks road map after lockdown

NEW DELHI: The group of ministers (GoM) tasked with reviewing the Covid-19 pandemic situation on Friday discussed the way forward for getting key sectors back on track after the lockdown is lifted, with a special focus on agriculture and the rapid supply of testing kits to rural areas. The three-week lockdown is scheduled to end on April 14.
Sources said the GoM headed by defence minister Rajnath Singh discussed the exit strategy after the lockdown and that concrete action will be taken at a follow-up meeting next week after suggestions are reviewed at the top level.

The farm sector has been exempted from the lockdown, but has been affected by confusion at the ground level over allowing movement of workers. The GoM is learnt to have emphasised that the vital sector should not suffer. “There should be no confusion that farm work is exempted from the lockdown and needs to continue. Farm workers can work in the field as long as social distancing is followed,” said one of the persons.

In addition, the GoM deliberated on steps needed to make test kits available in rural areas as the lockdown is lifted to ensure that cases can be identified at the earliest. Another issue taken up at the meeting was the scarcity of workers required to load and unload essential goods. The GoM has recommended that the matter needs to be made a priority to ensure that essential services are maintained and the supply chain is not disrupted.

The group of ministers also noted with concern reports of attacks on those at the frontline of the fight against the disease, including medical professionals. It was emphasised that a zero tolerance policy needs to be followed and the security of such workers has to be a priority.

On the supply of essential goods, the GoM was informed that no shortages have been reported and the supply chain has been functional, barring local difficulties due to the scarcity of workers involved in loading and unloading cargo. Another issue raised at the GoM was the spread of fake news and rumours on social media that needed to be tackled aggressively. The home ministry on Friday issued orders to seek strict adherence to guidelines allowing for movement of farm workers, operation of mandis and procurement of agricultural products and equipment.

Specifying that agriculture is in the exemption list, home secretary Ajay Bhalla has written to states that directions to exempt the sector have not percolated to the ground level and that all measures need to be taken to ensure smooth harvesting and sowing operations, while maintaining social distancing.

This was the third meeting of the GoM since March 25, with sources saying that the next one will discuss post-lockdown plans in detail. Suggestions and feedback at the GoM discussions are conveyed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi by the defence minister. Among those who attended the meeting were home minister Amit Shah, minister of consumer affairs, food and public distribution Ram Vilas Paswan, agriculture minister Narendra Singh Tomar and information & broadcasting minister Prakash Javadekar.