Meghalaya Assembly discusses strategies to contain COVID pandemic in state
The chief minister, however, defended his government and the work of officials, but welcomed suggestions to improve the COVID-19 response. He called the ongoing pandemic a "dynamic situation" that required officials to adapt. "Yes, there were challenges but, we have done our best", he maintained.
SHILLONG:
The Opposition Congress on Tuesday questioned the "unsatisfactory" manner in which the spread of COVID-19 was handled in the state. Countering Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma's statements on the COVID-19 measures and countermeasures during the question hour on the third day of the ongoing Autumn Session of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly, Leader of Opposition Dr Mukul Sangma complained that "No one expects perfection, but this is not an excuse to not do things. If this is the best, I am sorry I can't say anything more".
The chief minister, however, defended his government and the work of officials, but welcomed suggestions to improve the COVID-19 response. He called the ongoing pandemic a "dynamic situation" that required officials to adapt. "Yes, there were challenges but, we have done our best", he maintained.
Despite increasing focus in media on the lapses made by the government, the chief minister stood by the so-called "de-centralised model" to tackle the pandemic. He stated "there is no perfect solution... all we can do is try to balance out the containment strategies and livelihood".
While noting the "collective responsibility and fight" against COVID-19, he welcomed the suggestion of Nongthymmai Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Charles Pyngrope that exemptions be made for daily wage earners and domestic help, subject to prior registration with the respective headmen.
In response to Rangsakona MLA Zenith Sangma and Winnerson D. Sangma's question on the logic of the timings and days to open the shops on weekdays, the chief minister said that the restrictions have already been relaxed, including the lifting of weekend lockdowns, in response to declining cases. He further emphasised that, under the decentralised approach, the respective deputy commissioners will take the appropriate district-level decisions, with the help of the various dorbar shnong, to control the pandemic in the state.
In response to East Shillong legislator Mazel Ampareen Lyngdoh's query on the fines collected from "VVIPs" for flouting COVID-19 protocols, such as being unmasked during public events, the chief minister sought notice to reply.
In response to North Shillong MLA Adelbert Nongrum's query on imposition of night curfews, the chief minister noted that the pandemic has not yet subsided, and the risk of rising cases is still high. He said that, while the daytime curfew has been lifted, it is necessary to continue the nighttime curfew, which is also least likely to cause genuine inconvenience to the public.
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