COVID19: CM Naveen Announces Mandatory Registration, Cash Incentive For People Willing To Return to Odisha

Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Sunday said that people from Odisha -- stranded in other states but who want to return -- will have to mandatorily register their names at the panchayat level.

"Those who want to return to Odisha must register before they return. Relatives and friends can register with the gram panchayats concerned. Returnees will stay for free in quarantine facilities for 14 days and then also given Rs 2,000 each as incentive," said the Chief Minister in a video message.

Odia people stranded in other states & wanting to return to #Odisha will have to mandatorily register their names with help of their family/friends at panchayat level. They will have to spend 14-day quarantine & govt will give Rs 2000 as incentive to them: CM Naveen #Covid_19pic.twitter.com/ojpdWyTY4p

— OTV (@otvnews) April 19, 2020

To implement this effectively and with humane touch, Odisha is delegating powers of District Collectors to sarpanches in their respective jurisdictions, he added.

Also Read: Coronavirus Statistics Going Down In Odisha: CM Naveen

Every gram panchayat will have a registration facility, where relatives of the persons who wish to return can register on their behalf.

"Extraordinary situations call for extraordinary solutions. Empowering panchayats and urban local bodies will facilitate smooth movement, and track and monitor the returnees, and strengthen our fight against COVID-19," said Patnaik.

Sarpanchs granted power of Collector to properly act as empowered officials to ensure mandatory registration of Odia people of his/her area presently outside Odisha but wanting to return back. They should see strict compliance of quarantine SOPs by returnees: CM Naveen#COVID19pic.twitter.com/9IiyyciieB

— OTV (@otvnews) April 19, 2020

"In my view every life is precious and has to be protected in a dignified manner. The involvement of Panchayati Raj Institutions will go a long way in helping," he added.

When the lockdown restrictions are lifted, Odisha in coordination with the host states and government of India, will facilitate the return of all those who want to return home, said the Chief Minister.

Plight of lakhs of Odia people, be it pilgrims, students or migrants who are currently stranded in other States amid #lockdown2 is painful despite help by respective State govts. After lifting of restrictions, we will begin efforts to bring them back: CM Naveen Patnaik#COVID19pic.twitter.com/stzRndyRab

— OTV (@otvnews) April 19, 2020

While about one lakh persons from other states are stranded in Odisha, there are lakhs of people from Odisha, including a large number of workers, are stranded in other states.

Read More: Coronavirus Lockdown: Naveen Seeks Inter-State Cooperation For Stranded Citizens

"In spite of the best efforts of our state and the host states life is not normal for them and it pains me," he said.

(With IANS inputs)