Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi - (HB)

Udupi, Oct 8: Prize distribution ceremony of Chalo Card lucky winners organized by Udupi City Bus Owners’ Association was held on Thursday October 8 at the city bus stand, here.

The district commissioner, G Jagadeesha speaking on the occasion said, "Udupi stands first place in tackling COVID mortality rate because health warriors are fighting everyday against coronavirus and they are doing a great job. But the number of ICU admissions is increasing because of negligence. There is a wrong perception that the corona test is not bogus and collecting fine from the people is to fill the treasury. District administration has no intention of making money by fine collection. I have given strict instruction to the SP (superintendent of police) for maintaining health code like wearing a mask and social distancing."

One insulin costs about Rs 30,000 and the bed charge is Rs 5,200 per day. All this expenditure is incurred by the government. Moreover, it is our money.

There are more possibilities of spreading the novel coronavirus through currency notes. Drivers and conductors must wear masks first then they should create awareness among passengers. One must not touch the face after wearing a face mask. It is essential to sanitize the hands each time before touching the face. People have more responsibility in controlling COVID-19, the DC said.

The guests of the occasion distributed prizes to the lucky winners of Chalo Card and honoured the conductors with 'Star Performers'.

Udupi MLA, Raghupathi Bhat who was also present on the occasion said, "Udupi is the first district to adopt modern technology. Chalo Cards are introduced to bring one system. Let us cultivate the tradition of wearing masks and maintain social distance."

He further said, “Parking area is the biggest problem in Udupi. We have a plan to renovate the city bus stand at the cost of Rs 5 crore, developed by Delta organization. The bus stand complex includes a paid parking area too. We will finalize this plan at the earliest."

The City Bus Owners’ Association president, Kuylady Suresh Naik briefed the benefits of the Chalo Card in his keynote address.

Three lucky winners of the Chalo Card were selected for September.