Thiruvananthapuram, March 29: Kerala Chief Minister, Shri Pinarayi Vijayan has reiterated that the State Government is committed to protecting the migrant labourers in the State and 5,278 labour camps were already functioning in various parts of Kerala. The CM gave this assurance today during the daily media briefing in the light of a large gathering of migrant workers at a place near Kottayam yesterday.

“Food, medicines and proper healthcare facilities are being provided at these labour camps. There is no scope for starving and in fact, we are making arrangements for serving them food of their choice from community kitchens at these places. It is not possible to arrange transport for sending them back home, as demanded by them. We have reasons to suspect that these migrant workers were instigated by some people with vested interests, to assemble in large numbers and our initial investigations confirm this. This is aimed at defeating our efforts at containing the spread of Coronavirus. The police are further investigating this”, the Chief Minister said.

In a normal situation, the labour contractors are responsible for providing food and accommodation to these migrant workers. Usually, it’s just a space to spend the night. But in the present circumstances, instructions have been given to make available decent accommodation for them. Apart from food and medical services, provision has been made for the supply of atta, daal and vegetables to these camps where they want to cook food on their own. Since they are now spending the whole day at the camp, entertainment facilities will also be arranged there.

The District Collector is in charge of the migrant labours camp. The District Police Chief and the District Labour Officer will also do the necessary inspections to ensure that everything is properly done.

Meanwhile, the CM informed that one person was arrested today for sending messages misleading the migrant labourers. Two people in Malappuram were also booked for spreading fake news among migrant workers. “All possible steps are being taken for the welfare and safety of the migrant labourers in the State. The services of Hindi speaking home guards are also being used. Awareness messages in Oriya, Bengali and Hindi are being circulated among these workers”, he added.

32 new Covid-19 cases reported in Kerala today, total 213 patients

32 new Coronavirus cases were reported today in Kerala taking the total number of confirmed cases to 213. 17 of the new cases are from Kasargod District, 11 from Kannur District, and two each from Wayanad and Idukki Districts. 17 of the new cases are in persons who returned from abroad and 15 have contracted the virus through local contact.

Across Keralam there are a total of 1,57,252 persons are under observation; 1,56,660 at home and 623 at hospitals. 6,991 samples were sent for testing and 6,031tested negative. 126 people were hospitalised today in the State. The rapid testing facility is being rolled out to enable testing in large numbers to spread the outbreak.

Pravasies backbone of Kerala economy, don’t discriminate them now: Kerala CM

Kerala Chief Minister, Shri Pinarayi Vijayan today asked the people of the State not to discriminate or ostracise non-resident Keralites who have come back from overseas. A large percentage of the confirmed Covid-19 cases in Kerala have found to be in people who have returned home from abroad. This has resulted in a backlash from the local residents.

“We should change our attitude and mindset towards the non-resident Keralites. Kerala has benefited a lot from the funds sent back home by these expatriates. We should not forget the contribution of the Pravasi Malayalee in the growth of the State. In fact, they are the backbone of Kerala economy. There are some isolated cases where people who came from abroad have not followed the quarantine instructions but that doesn’t mean we discriminate or ostracise them at this juncture. We have to support them,” the CM said.

He also assured the pravasies that their families back home will be safe. “I am sure the Pravasis will have a concern about their family back in Kerala but don’t worry, we will take care of them. You stay safe there and follow the safety precautions. We are with you”, he added.

Community kitchen starts functioning in 1031 local bodies across Kerala

As per the instruction of the Chief Minister, a total of 1,213 community kitchens have started functioning in 1,031 local bodies out of the 1,034 in Kerala. Overall, 1,54,258 people were given food including free food to 1,37,930 persons. Destitutes, homeless and the needy (those who cannot cook food on their own) were provided food from the community kitchens. The volunteers from the local bodies home deliver the food packets. The CM has requested those who can afford to pay not to utilise the services of the community kitchen.

44 camps have been opened in the State for the homeless and destitute and 2,569 persons are currently in these camps.

Contribute to Chief Ministers Disaster Relief Fund

Kerala Chief Minister, Shri Pinarayi Vijayan has said that to tide over the present situation caused by the Coronavirus outbreak, the State needs monetary support. “We will need monetary support and we expect more people to contribute to the Contribute to Chief Ministers Disaster Relief Fund (CMDRF). Discussions were held today with the various government employees organisations requesting them to contribute one month’s salary to the CMDRF. We expect the government employees to respond positively”, he said. He also announced that the Kerala Nurses & Midwives Council has made a contribution of Rs. one crore to the CMDRF.

Donations to the Kerala Chief Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund can be made through https://donation.cmdrf.kerala.gov.in/

Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Smt K K Shailaja Teacher, and Revenue Minister, Shri E Chandrasekharan, were also present during the media briefing.