From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru
Bengaluru, May 23: Anticipating the problems in tackling the pandemic in future, Mines and Geology Minister Murugesh R Nirani on Sunday said that the State Government is considering to establish oxygen generator units in all taluks.
Addressing the press meet after holding a meeting to review progress of works in the Mines and Geology department in Mysuru, Nirani said setting up of oxygen generator units in taluks will help overcome the crisis that the State is witnessing at present.
In a move to address the shortage of nurses, the minister said sanctions will be given to open new nursing colleges.
"The State Government had earlier decided against giving sanction for new nursing colleges but we are facing shortage of nurses today. We will give sanction if educational institutions come forward to set up nursing colleges in the State," Nirani said.
Reiterating his earlier position on oxygen supply, Nirani denied shortage of the lifesaving gas in the state.
"There is no shortage of oxygen, we have enough stock. But we are facing shortage of containers to store the oxygen. Sufficient quantity of oxygen is being produced in the State. We are also receiving oxygen from the Centre. The problem is due to shortage of cylinders," the minister said.
Grace marks for final year medical, nursing students
The minister said final year medical and nursing students who are involved in Covid-19 duty will get grace marks.
He said this gesture will motivate others to join the hands with the State Government in its fight against the Corona virus.
The minister said the State Government has taken steps to prevent shortage of oxygen.
"Demand for oxygen declined and over 80 per cent of Covid Care Centres are vacant as Government and district administrations have been tackling the pandemic effectively. Black Fungus is not contagious and there is no shortage of medicine. Patients are getting treatment but people need to be cautious," Nirani said.
Warning to Sand Mafia
Warning the sand mafia, Nirani said the State Government will implement a new sand policy with tough measures.
"Steps are being taken to implement a new sand policy. Cases will not be filed against farmers and locals who transport sand in bullock carts and instructions have been given to Mines and Geology department and police in this regard," he said.
BSY will complete his term
Answering a question, he ruled out change of leadership in Karnataka as Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa has been doing a commendable job.
“There is no question of leadership change in the State and Yediyurappa will complete his term. The Chief Minister has been handling the Covid19 pandemic effectively and the talk of leadership change is just a rumour. We will face the next election under his leadership,” Nirani declared.
Adopts a tiger in Mysuru Zoo
The minister adopted a tiger in the century-old Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens Mysuru in the name of his grandson Samarth Vijay Nirani.
Nirani who was in the city to attend official programme and paid a visit to Mysuru zoo and adopted a tiger in the name of his grandson.
Earlier, he visited the Suttur Mutt and sought the blessings from the pontiff Sri Shivaratri Deshikendra Swamiji.