Bhubaneswar: Considering both life and livelihood are equally important, the Odisha Government has rebooted the economic activities in a big way amid lockdown.
Briefing the media, Special Relief Commissioner Pradeep Kumar Jena today said that Odisha has done extremely well in curbing the spread of COVID-19 and efforts are needed to bring normalcy in the livelihood of the people.
Outlining the government’s thrust on economic activities, Jena said except containment zones, permission has been granted to start economic activities in red, orange and green zones.
There are very minor restrictions on industrial and construction activities in the urban area red zones.
Jena further said that Khariff season is going to start soon and government has always focused agriculture and allied activities. Permission has been granted in all three zones in rural and urban areas for agriculture activities.
Thrusting upon the importance of movement of labourers, Jena said construction, industrial works, agriculture and related activities cannot resume if workers do not reach the workplaces. For this purpose the Government on Monday allowed movement of buses within green zones and between green zones.
It has been seen that villages have been barricaded and workers from other villages are not allowed. Such form of barricading is illegal and people should refrain from such act, Jena said.
Odisha Government has setup the ‘Krushi Helpline’ – 18001025166. The farmers can get all forms of guidance by calling this number. Paddy procurement has started in Mandis from May 1, he said.
By using the e-pass farmers can sell their produce in the mandis, he added
Meanwhile, NAFED and MARKFED have been directed to procure other agricultural produce from May 7.
The government will also enhance loans to farmers and SHGs.
Lauding the efforts of Mission Shakti, he said that the Mission Shakti members have really worked very hard in this difficult situation to provide more than one crore meals to the needy. Hence, the government has decided to provide an incentive of Rs 2 per meal from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund.