From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network
Bengaluru, May 2: Even as the lockdown situation over Corona Virus pandemic over partially eased, Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa spoke to Odisha Chief Minister Navin Patnaik and Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over video conference on Saturday regarding the transportation of migrant Odisha labourers from the State.
The Chief Minister explained that all essential facilities like food, shelter and medical assistance were extended to the labourers during the lockdown period to ensure that the migrant labourers did not starve or suffer.
The economic activities have commenced as per the latest revised guidelines issued by the Centre, he said.
Yediyurappa said most of the migrant labourers were in a position to be re-employed and resume their economic activities.
Karnataka has appointed nodal officers to oversee the transportation of migrant labourers of other States working in the State.
The nodal officers are also coordinating with the officers of Odisha, he said.
The Chief Minister said the details of the migrant workers, their health screening, quarantine and other aspects were also discussed during the video conference.
While the State Chief Secretary T M Vijayabhaskar and other senior officials assisted Yediyurappa, the Odisha Chief Minister was assisted by his State Chief Secretary and other officers.
CM also holds video conference with DCs
The Karnataka Chief Minister later held a video conference with Deputy Commissioners and elected representatives as well as officers of Dakshina Kannada, Mysuru, Vijayapurua, Belagavi, Bagalakot, Bengaluru Urban and Bengaluru districts on the measures pertaining to containment of COVID 19 and lockdown situation.
Yediyurappa along with the Chief Secretary, also directed the officials to undertake economic activities as per the latest Central government directives.
Directions were also issued for commencement of activities permitted by the Centre in all areas, excluding the containment zones.
The Chief Minister directed the authorities to use the foodgrains available with the hostels run by the Social Welfare Department for distribution among the people.
The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) was directed to collect only the one-way fare for migrant labourers who wished to travel to different districts within the State.
The people arriving from other districts were asked to be confined to institutional quarantine in the districts where the people go.
The authorities were asked to issue one-day and one-time inter-district pass to people who were stranded in other cities during the lockdown period for returning to their homes or for work.
The Chief Minister decided to hold another meeting to exclusively discuss the problems pertaining to weavers.