Manipur cabinet decides to provide train fare for stranded people

Our Correspondent

Imphal, May 6 (EMN): Manipur state cabinet on Wednesday approved that the passenger’s fare for bringing back stranded persons to Manipur by train will be borne by the government. The decision was taken in a state cabinet meeting held with the Chief Minister N Biren Singh in the chair at the chief minister’s secretariat here on Wednesday.

The cabinet also decided that the cost for other modes of travel from northeast region to the state will be met by passengers themselves. The state government will issue necessary passes for facilitating their movement in this regard.

The cabinet also discussed about the management of quarantine centres in the state. Those stranded persons returning to the state shall be kept under home quarantine or community quarantine as per protocol.

The cabinet meeting also decides that the state government will bear INR 200 per head per day towards food for returnees accommodated in community quarantine centres.

All arrangements for boarding and lodging etc. in community quarantine centres will be made by the community through local clubs, village authorities, etc. with involvement of MLAs concerned and Deputy Commissioners. The Deputy Commissioners through local clubs may organise food for returnees, the official sources said.

The cabinet also decided to resume earlier lockdown restrictions in view of the development in the country as well as in the region till May 17.

The essential services activities permitted during the lockdown period (May 6-17) in the state include supply of essential goods, movement of cargo, health related activities, public utilities, agricultural and related activities, fisheries, animal husbandry, finance sector, social sector, online teaching, MGNERGA works, commericial and private establishments, construction activities, offices of central and state governments.

Meanwhile N Biren singh in a video message to the public appealed to extend cooperation and support to the state government’s initiative to tackle the dreaded disease. He said the government is taking up the present situation as a priority issue. 

The MLAs of many assembly constituencies also started to bring back stranded people of their respective assembly constituencies from outside the state by sending their vehicles after obtaining permission from the state home department.