Sarpanches have been empowered under the Disaster Management Act. to combat against Corona

Bhubaneswar:22/4/20: In another step towards the State’s fight against Corona, the Sarpanches have been empowered under the Disaster Management Act. Chief Secretary Asit Tripathy has advised relying on them as the “foundation of our democracy’.

Tripathy said this over a video conference with the BDOs and Sarpanches held today under the Chairmanship of the Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. Chief Secretary said, “Odisha has established many new records to fight against COVID-19 under the futuristic decisions of the Hon’ble Chief Minister. Now, the entire Government wing along with 314 blocks and all panchayats have been connected through technology to tight against this unseen enemy. Presently, the Challenge is return of thousands of Odia people stranded outside the State. They will return to the State shortly. Their entry needs to be regulated and registered exhaustively. Logistic support needs to be arranged for their transport from railway station through buses.”

Tripathy added, “Panchayats and blocks have created adequate facilities”. He instructed the BDOs and field level officers to supervise these facilities closely. He further instructed to plan very closely and make all arrangements to counter all eventualities.

The Chief Secretary expressed the confidence that with Sarpanches and BDOs on front line team. State can face this big challenge successfully.