304 Gaon Panchayats, Village Councils in Assam are still COVID-19 free: Assam Minister Ranjeet Kumar Dass

Assam Panchayat and Rural Development minister Ranjeet Kumar Dass on Monday said that, during this pandemic situation, a total of 304 numbers of Gram Panchayat (GP), Village Council Development Committee (VCDC) have been reported as COVID-19 free.

Ranjeet Kumar Dass said, “Assam has a total 2,197 numbers of Gaon Panchayats and 479 numbers of VCDCs/VDCs (KAAC – 40 VDCs, DHC – 28 VDCs, BTAD – 411 VCDCs) under the Sixth  Scheduled districts. To curb the spread of COVID-19 in the rural areas, the Gaon Panchayats and VCDCs/VDCs which are the cutting-edge institutions, have been geared up to fight against COVID-19 in rural areas.

"In every GP, a War Room has been set up, which is acting as the nodal point to fight against COVID-19 in the GPs/VCDCs/VDCs. Task Force has been constituted in the GP/VCDC/VDC with participation of the PRI members. Sanitization activities in the rural areas have been undertaken by the GPs/VDCD/VDCs. Free masks are also distributed to the vulnerable groups, such as Job card holders, weaker sections of people, widows, marginal farmers etc. of the GPs wherever necessary. Presently it is seen that a Jan Andolan is being created to fight against COVID-19 in rural areas."

“Regular report on the initiatives undertaken to fight with COVID-19 in the rural areas reflects that presently there are 304 numbers of GPs/VCDCs/VDCs which are COVID-19 free. Out of these 173 are Gaon Panchayats and 131 are VCDCs/VDCs. I am very much hopeful that with active participation and cooperation of everyone we will be able to declare entire rural areas of Assam as COVID free in near future,” Dass said.

A gradual ingress is now being seen in rural areas as well.

In such a scenario, the roles and responsibilities of the Panchayat and Rural Development (P&RD) Department have become crucial in containment and prevention of COVID-19 in rural areas.

P&RD, Assam has taken various profound initiatives to combat COVID-19 through a Jan Andolan in rural areas.

In the auspicious and proud moment of completion of 7th year by the present Union Government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, one of the sculptors of progressive India, the Hon’ble Ministers/MPs/MLAs/ MLACs were requested to participate in the activities undertaken by GPs/VDCs/VCDCs to fight against Covid-19, to commemorate the completion of 7th year of Union Government of India.

All have extended favourable responses yesterday to this clarion call and their inspiring participation makes the fight for containment and prevention of COVID-19 in rural areas initiated by our department faster and more successful.

“In response to my appeal, 3 Ministers, 2 MPs and 40 MLAs and 4 MLACs participated in the events and turned the initiatives of P&RD Department into a true Jan Andolan. As the minister of this department, I extend my gratitude to all and I am confident enough that we will be accompanied by them in every stage of our journey of development in the state.

"Now, people are becoming aware of COVID protocols in rural areas. GPs/VCDCs/VDCs have taken up intensive sensitisation. PRI members are also involved actively in this mission. Panchayat people have been providing required help in COVID Vaccination and Testing Centres by way of either putting manpower or materials. Awareness campaign, distribution of essential goods to the COVID positive patients’ families in rural areas again strengthens the humanity amongst every locality of rural Assam,” Ranjeet Kumar Dass said.

He further said that, besides, our regular schemes like Mahatma Gandhi NREGA, Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojna Gramin etc, are also being implemented with dedicated approach of our employees along with beneficiaries. Also with the pension schemes implemented under our department, we are trying to extend regular financial support to the people.

“As you all are aware of the fact that our government, under the able leadership of Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, has simplified the sanction process of fund for both the universal pension schemes implemented with the state’s own source of revenue namely Swahi Kushal Konwar Sarbajanin Briddha Pension Achoni and Indira Miri Universal Widow Pension Scheme ensuring pension for more than 15 lakhs beneficiaries on 10th of every month.

"I again appeal to all the left out eligible beneficiaries to come forward for getting benefits from these universal schemes. Thus, we are trying to curb the deadly spreading of COVID-19 on the one hand and at the same time trying to sustain the strong economy of rural Assam,” Dass said.