Saugat reviews labour management amidst COVID surge

Divisional Commissioner Ladakh Saugat Biswas chairing a meeting.
Divisional Commissioner Ladakh Saugat Biswas chairing a meeting.

Excelsior Correspondent

LEH, Apr 17: A meeting was chaired by Divisional Commissioner, Ladakh, Saugat Biswas in connection with the labour management amidst the surge in COVID-19 positive cases in UT Ladakh.
Divisional Commissioner, Saugat Biswas pointed out that the number of cases is increasing and stressed the importance of containing the spread, ramping up tests, keeping vigil on those who are in isolation and quarantine. He said that actions must be taken at every zone to stop the virus from spreading.
He asked the concerned officials to ensure proper screening mechanism and quarantine facilities. He also asked to set up a mechanism to tie up with the mates and contractors who bring labourers to Ladakh so that in advance they know how much labourers is coming to Ladakh. Direction was also given to the concerned officials to identify the mates and contractors of the labourers.
He instructed the officials of VIJAYAK, HIMANK, MES and army to communicate the mates and contractors informing that without RT-PCR negative report they would not be allowed to enter into Ladakh. He also directed the officials of R&B, PWD, Irrigation and all development and engineering departments to formally convey to each contractor.
Divisional Commissioner was informed by Assistant Labour Commissioner, Leh that the Labour Department has engaged four agencies at various places for the registration of migrant labours.
Biswas also stressed the need for police officers to enforce the COVID-appropriate behaviour, including levying fines for violations.
Biswas also urged for implementing the norm of track-test-treat and to ramp up testing facilities to ensure timely declaration of RT-PCR results and timely containment of the number of potential positive cases. The officials also appealed to people to follow Covid-19 safety norms as cases are rising.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioner, Leh, Deputy Commissioner, Kargil, Station Commander, Leh sub-area, 14 Corps, Chief Engineer, HIMANK, BRO, Chief Engineer, VIJAYAK, BRO, SP, Leh, Chief Engineer (R&B) Ladakh, Director health, Ladakh, CMO Leh, ALC, Leh and ALC Kargil.