AMARAVATI, APRIL 1
Braving scorching sun and the corona pandemic 2,25,463 village/ward volunteers completed the commitment of State government by distributing pensions at the doorstep of beneficiaries on the first day of the month.
Video Courtesy: AP CMO
So far, till 5 pm, pensions were distributed to 52.49 lakh beneficiaries by the volunteers taking it to 93 percent. During the tough times of pandemic coronavirus outbreak, the efforts put by the volunteers from 5 am in the morning.
To prevent the virus spread, the volunteers have used photo identification method instead of biometric system and a separate app was used to capture the beneficiary picture through geotagging.
Moreover, call centers have beens set up in DRDA offices in districts to monitor the pension distribution and ensure the process hassle free. It was a purposeful day for the employees and state people as well.
While, the senior IAS officer have been monitoring the entire process from the secretariat and have simultaneously continued the corona prevention steps. The volunteers have taken strict measures while distributing the pensions.
As said earlier, the Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy is firm on his words and once again proved that the YSRCP government would not compromise in delivering welfare schemes to the public.
The old-age pensioners, physically handicapped are facing difficulties due to lockdown and now, providing them the pensions at their doorsteps has built confidence among them that the government is there to take care of them.
The government officials are motoring the distribution of pensions to every beneficiary and asserted that everyone will receive the pension and need not worry about it.
While the pension distribution is a monthly exercise for volunteers, their work at this point in time during coronavirus outbreak is appreciable. Volunteers are also creating awareness among the pensioners to stay safe at home and checking over them for the virus symptoms.
No stigma to be attached to COVID-19, says Jagan
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has said that no stigma should be attached Coronavirus as 80 % of the cases proved negative after home quarantine while only a small 4 % needed ICU.
Speaking to media here on Wednesday, the Chief Minister said 87 persons tested positive in the State of which 70 are those who returned from Delhi.
On the whole 1085 persons attended Delhi prayer meeting and we have tracked and taken samples of 585. While 70 were tested positive and 500 results are yet to come and 21 people are yet to be traced.
He appealed to the people to volunteer and dial 104 if there are any symptoms and said that no stigma should be attached to it. Medical help will come home test and give advise accordingly, he said.
Chief Minister has appealed the people to report problems with the ANMs, Asha workers, volunteers who are continuously surveying every household across the state. He assured that they would be provided with treatment immediately and if necessary they will be taken to the hospital to provide treatment.
He requested the people in the state to strictly follow government guidelines and maintains social distancing. He urged people to come out voluntarily in case of any symptoms and the government will shift them to quarantine centers and provide necessary treatment until it cures. COVID-19 is like any other fever and can be cured if taken proper medication and be in isolation for 14 days after treatment.
The Chief Minister said that the state expenditure has highly increased whereas, the income was drastically reduced. Amidst such a situation, he thanked the employees for giving their consent on the postponement of payments.
The Chief Minister also asked the private hospital and medical college staff to involve themselves in coronavirus prevention initiatives across the state.
