By Navneet Mishra
New Delhi, May 1 (IANS): Minister for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Mahendra Nath Pandey is among four key Central ministers who have been tasked to monitor the campaign against coronavirus in Uttar Pradesh. Pandey is looking after 20 districts of the state, including Ghaziabad, Gautam Buddh Nagar and Etah.
Pandey is former chief of the UP BJP and is an MP from Chandauli constituency. In an interview to IANS, Pandey has profusely praised Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, saying the CM's management skills have earned him praise from his critics.
Asked how he evaluates the ongoing campaign against coronavirus in the state, he said: "Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's leadership has drawn all-round praise. Even his critics are compelled to compliment him for his efforts".
"The state has gained a lot by the CM's prompt, tough and timely action to save the people from the pandemic. He has kept in mind the hotspots in the state and has taken strict measures against the spread of the virus infection. Every day thousands of workers and labourers have received essential goods and food. Eatables have been made available on call. All workers have received money in their bank accounts. The CM's work has been very praise-worthy," said Pandey.
On his experience of looking after 20 districts of Uttar Pradesh, Pandey said this has been a very challenging time. "We have to move forward with caution and cooperation. Along with the administration, we are ensuring at every level that the spread of coronavirus is contained as soon as possible. We are ensuring that the corona suspects are quickly traced and quarantined".
He said his efforts are focused on getting good medical treatment for corona patients so that they are cured quickly. "We also want that lockdown is observed sincerely across all districts. We have to see that food is available for the poor. Various teams of health department, civic authorities and police are engaged in making every service available to the people," said Pandey.
He said Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and other such bodies are contributing a lot in this hour of crisis. "They are researching, reinventing various ways to make people's life easier. I am sure we would make many districts corona-free and ultimately win this battle," said Pandey.