Sarpanches to issue curfew passes for night emergencies

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, March 28

In view of the lockdown in the state, the Punjab Government has authorised sarpanches of villages to issue curfew passes to villagers in their jurisdiction for medical emergencies during the night (from 7 pm to 6 am).

Deputy Commissioner (DC) Pradeep Kumar Agrawal said, “Additional Chief Secretary (Home), Punjab, Satish Chandra has conveyed that the pass or authorisation will be supported with photo ID card/Aadhaar card. One attendant can accompany the patient, however, against a separate authorisation/pass.”

“The pass will be valid only for the night and for day time passes will be issued by the district administration,” the DC added. He clarified that the pass would be valid from point to point.

“The Chief Minister has permitted municipal bodies to buy medicines and food for daily wagers and people from financially weaker sections of society as well as fodder for gaushalas from municipal funds at their disposal,” the DC said.

“The Municipal Corporation, Ludhiana, has been authorised to spend Rs 1 lakh daily and Rs 20 lakh for the entire lockdown period; class A Municipal Committees Rs 25,000 daily and Rs 5 lakh for the entire lockdown period; while class B, C Municipal Committees and Nagar Panchayats Rs 15,000 daily and Rs 2.5 lakh for the entire lockdown period,” the DC added.

“The Rural Development and Panchayats Department, Punjab, has also asked gram panchayats to provide food and medicines to daily wage labourers and needy persons from economically weaker sections (EWS) of society residing in their respective villages,” the DC said.

“In view of the lockdown in the state, such persons are facing difficulties in taking care of their families,” the DC said.