Bhubaneswar: In view of the nationwide lockdown for 21 days, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today appealed to all Chief Ministers to extend help to stranded Odias in any part of the country.
“I would make an earnest appeal to you that any person or group of persons from Odisha stranded in any part of your State may please be assisted with basic food, accommodation, security etc”, the CM said.
“I will be very grateful if this message is passed on to all the District Collectors of your State”, he said.
Odisha will bear whatever cost is needed for their safekeeping, the CM added.
Naveen has also directed the district Collectors of Odisha to assist persons in need from other States. Their cost will be met from Chief Minister’s Relief Fund.
“We have put a monitoring team with our Principal Secretary, Home Department to look after this and co-ordinate”, the CM further stated.
“In case anyone from your State is stranded in Odisha and our system has not responded, kindly inform me directly. I’m always available”, he said.
“Coronavirus has been a challenge for the human race, transgressing all boundaries. We as a country are jointly fighting this invisible enemy with collective resolve. We have taken an unprecedented but very much needed step to stop the progress of this pandemic — our country is under lockdown for 21 days”.
“When a step of this magnitude is taken, even with all precautions, some people may be stranded across the country away from their homes. They may be pilgrims, students, workers and professionals etc. We understand that many may be under distress”, the Odisha CM said.
“ In this regard I would make an earnest appeal to you that any person or group of persons from Odisha stranded in any part of your State may please be assisted with basic food, accommodation, security etc”, he said.