In the backdrop of deteriorating Covid-19 situation in the state, Manipur government has ordered constitution of local level task forces, while stressing the need for peoples’ and NGOs participation in the fight against the pandemic.
An order of the state Home department passed on May 18 constituted the village/ward level task forces while acknowledging the importance of increased participation by the people and representatives of the civil society organisations and NGOs in the fight against the pandemic.
The order stated that the state government has been taking numerous actions to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 infection in the state by utilising all the government resources at its command, with the cooperation of various civil society organisations and NGOs.
The unabated increase in the number of active cases of COVID-19 in the state indicated that more needs to be done with increased participation of the people and its representatives, the order asserted.
As per the order, the village/ward/gram sabha level task forces will be constituted with 6-10 members. Villages in the remote areas with less than 150 houses should be clubbed together to form a joint task force of about 200 households.
The deputy commissioners of each district will take up the steps for constitution of the task forces after due consultation with the MLAs of the constituencies, reputed civil society organisations/NGO active in the area and the local club(s), the order stated.
The state Health department will provide PPE kit, sanitizers, masks etc. through the deputy commissioner/chief medical officers.Â
The state government will also provide mobility support at the rate of Rs 1000 per day to each task force and claims for the above amount are to be made through the DC which will be sanctioned by the relief and disaster management department.Â
Regarding the responsibility of the task forces, the order stated that it will ensure that Covid Appropriate Behaviour is followed by everyone, including whenever shops or vegetable vendors are allowed to open. They should also ensure that persons in home isolation or quarantine or in micro containment areas do not come out of their houses.
The task force should also assist the government medical teams in contact tracing and monitoring the health of those in home isolation.
Carrying out IEC activities on various Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and protocols adopted by the government and persuading the locals to adopt and abide by it among others.
Movement/travel of persons on essential duties will also be allowed while following Covid Appropriate Behaviour, especially wearing of mask, it added.
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