Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant today held a meeting with Goa Police Personnel via video conferencing regarding enforcement of Covid-19 norms in the state.
Interacting with the Police force during the meeting held at his Official residence Altinho, Panaji the Chief Minister directed the Cops to ensure that the Covid norms are strictly enforced and implemented in the state to curb the spread of deadly Corona virus disease. He also directed them to initiate stern action against those violating the guidelines issued and restrictions imposed under Section 144. The Chief Minister further informed that imposition of lockdown badly affects the economic activity and this is evident from the lockdown that was imposed during last year. He said, we can prevent the spread of Corona virus without imposing lockdown if the Police discharge their duties effectively to implement Covid-19 protocol and the people follow the Covid-19 norms.
The Chief Minister said taking into account a rapid surge in Covid cases festivals, temple fairs, religious rituals, church feasts, offering prayers in mosques and other places of worship should be offered from home. Only Mahajans will perform religious rituals in the temple he said. The number of persons for wedding is also restricted to 50 and he said added saying that Police should charge double fine as fine to those violating these restrictions.
Highlighting the need to create greater awareness among the general public about dreaded killer corona virus the Chief Minister said awareness through public address system will have a greater impact as done by the Police force in the past.
The Chief Minister said fines are imposed not to generate revenue but instil discipline among the general public and to see that Covid-19 protocol are strictly followed.
The Chief Minister also urged the Police force to help those who are tested positive for Covid-19 and particularly to the needy. The Chief Minister further informed that 50% people of the State have got themselves tested for Covid-19. So far he said, Police need to be proactive more so in telling the people that they should not step out from home in view of the current Covid-19 situation. They should also request those who are not coming forward to get vaccinated for Covid-19.
The Chief Minister appreciated the efforts put in by the Police in supplementing the efforts of the Government to deal with Covid-19 crisis and hoped that the Police will extend their cooperation to the Government till Covid cases are subsized.
The meeting was also attended by Chief Secretary Shri Parimal Rai, IAS; Director General of Police Shri Mukesh Kumar Meena and DIGP
