Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (ANK)

Mangaluru, Jun 24: MLA U T Khader said that the government should double the attention to take preventive measures over SSLC examination which is scheduled from June 25.

Addressing the media here on Wednesday June 24, MLA U T Khader said, "The government has decided to conduct SSLC examination and has issued guidelines for the same. It should monitor the standard operating procedures effectively from a ground level as practically it looks very difficult. It is obvious that parents will bring their children to the examination centres and there is a possibility of them staying back near the examination centres until the examination gets over. Government should take responsibility to arrange for parking facilities for the parents to avoid crowd near the examination centres."

He emphasized on the health department's role and direct intervention in ensuring sanitization and safety. He said, "Health department should take initiative to sanitize examination centre rather than giving responsibility to local gram panchayat. District administration should form education troop involving locals for the effective implementation of guidelines such as sanitizing, proper arrangements at the examination centres. District administration should also conduct meetings with NGOs and local organisations in forming civil defence force so that people from NGOs will come forward to assist in this situation.

"The next three months will be challenging for us as district administration should take necessary steps in tackling COVID-19. Today the port has been closed, but the fish vendors are selling fish by the road side. The district administration should analyse the situation and come up with a system," Khader said.

When asked about Khader himself involving in burial rituals of a 70-year-old who died due to coronavirus without wearing PPE kit, Khader said, "I felt to take part in the burial of the 70 year old man who passed away due to coronavirus. We all know that the virus will not spread through a dead body so there is no need of wearing PPE kit. We are in a situation where the family members are afraid to come near the dead body of their own and take part in the rituals."

However, he took the humility to accept that not wearing a PPE kit was not right as per the law. "People are afraid to take part in the ritual. As per the law it is my mistake for not wearing a PPE kit. I did not wear the kit to make people understand that there is no need to fear as the mortal remains will not spread the virus," Khader said.