Chandigarh March, 26- Haryana Chief Minister Mr. Manohar Lal today Mr. Manohar Lal, today said that the State Government has decided to increase the ex gratia amount being given to the employees working in such an adverse situation, whether they are working in the isolated wards made for Corona patients or deputed in the COVID testing laboratories or the employees involved in such works from Rs. 10 lakh. He said that now the ex gratia amount for doctors will be Rs 50 lakh, Rs 30 lakh for nurses and Rs 20 lakh for other employees( whether government or contractual).

The Chief Minister shared this while addressing the people of the State on live television here today.

The Chief Minister while informing the people about the steps being taken by the State Government to fight against the Corona virus appealed to the people not to believe any rumors being circulated on social media or through any other medium.

Allaying the doubts of the farmers of the State, the Chief Minister, Mr. Manohar Lal, today, said that there is no need for the farmers to worry as each and every grain will be bought. He said that though there might be a delay in the procurement, procurement will be done.

He said that since it is not possible to make procurements till April 14, we have made arrangements for the procurement of Mustard and Wheat to start on April 15 and April 20, respectively if the situation is favorable. Till then he has appealed to the farmers to stock the grain their homes. In case any farmer is having trouble doing the same, the Marketing Board has been directed to look into the matter, he added. He further said that to make up for the loss that the farmers will face due to delay in procurement and the lockdown soon a new scheme will be announced by the State Government.

He said that the State Government has launched a new website covidssharyana.in for the registration of any shop, store owner (kiryana, vegetable, milk and chemist, etc) who desires to register to offer services by delivering items in order to helping the people of the State and fight against the spread of Corona virus may register on this website. This website has been started so that people can get daily necessities on time. E-passes will be issued to those who register on this website, he added.

The Chief Minister urged the people of the State to adhere to the lockdown announced by the Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi for protection against COVID-19. He appealed the people to stay at home for their own safety as well as for the safety of their family, community, State, and Nation. He said that presently the entire world is struggling against this problem and everyone will have to stand united to fight against COVID-19 and making the lockdown a complete success by maintaining social distancing.

He informed that extensive arrangements have been made through District and Police Administration to deliver all kinds of daily essential commodities to the people. He said that along with the administration, online arrangements have been made for the cooperation of the volunteers’ in this portal. He said that in the last four days since the registration was open, 33,000 people have registered themselves as volunteers, which includes 546 Doctors, 255 Nurses, 1108 paramedical, 4700 home delivery assistants, 5700 social distancing communication, 5700 for public communication, 6200 for supporting the district administration have been included.

The Chief Minister also apprised that dedicated five laboratories have been made available in the State for the testing of Corona virus and two more testing labs are also being set up. Similarly, 2500 isolated beds and about 6500 quarantine beds have been made available.

The Chief Minister said that the State government is grateful to the officers and employees of Medical Staff who are treating the Corona infected people are dedicatedly working by risking their lives and it is the duty of the government to worry about the well being of them and their family.

The Chief Minister shared that the Government has set up the Haryana COVID-19 Relief Fund and more than 2000 people have voluntarily contributed to donate in this Fund and to date an amount of Rs. 5.84 core has been accumulated in this Fund. He shared that any person can make a contribution to this fund through e-banking or RTGS or QR code, UPI, NEFT. For this, account number 39234755902 has been opened in State Bank of India, Panchkula and the IFSC code is SBIN0001509.

The Chief Minister shared that arrangements have been made to provide financial assistance to laborers and BPL families including daily wagers, laborers and construction workers. The Chief Minister informed that under the Mukhyamantri Parivar Samridhi Yojana, 12.56 lakh families got registered to date. Out of this, 2.76 lakh families have been given a lump sum assistance of Rs 84.46 crore in two installments of Rs 4,000. Similarly, it is decided to give Rs. 1,000 per week to 3.85 lakh workers registered with the Construction Workers Board. Apart from this, BPL families will also be given Rs 1,000 per week and for families who are not in the BPL list, separate arrangements will be made for their registration.

The Chief Minister appealed to the people of the state to come forward to give their suggestions or share any problems related to the department related to COVID-19. For this, helpline numbers 1075 and 1100 have been issued.