I-Day: Assam invite for Covid warriors

GUWAHATI: The Assam government has issued guidelines to deputy commissioners, superintendents of police and sub-divisional officers to invite Covid-19 warriors to Independence Day ceremonies, even as Dispur directed the administration and police not to exceed one-third of the seat capacity of the venues in the wake of the virus threat.
“It would also be appropriate that Covid-19 warriors such as doctors, health workers, sanitation workers, etc, are invited to the ceremony as recognition of their noble service in fight against Covid-19 pandemic. Some persons cured from the Covid-19 may also be invited,” read the guidelines by the general administration department (GAD) of the state government.
Considering the persisting Covid threat, it has been decided by the state government that there will be no cultural programmes and sports events in connection to the official Independence Day celebrations, but dedication of the Covid warriors is set to hog the limelight in the venues across the state.
“This Independence Day will endorse the dedicated hard work and sincerity of the frontline Covid warriors. We will invite them and respect their services in a fitting manner. Moreover, their presence in the programme will add value to the events,” commissioner and secretary of the GAD, M Angamuthu, told TOI on Wednesday.
For the state-level Independence Day function, where chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal would hoist the Tricolour in Guwahati, the entire area to be earmarked for the programme will have to be properly sanitised by strictly adhering to the health protocols, said the guidelines. Further, the entire parade contingents and parade band for march-past shall be tested for Covid-19 before their participation. The labourers and other workers to be engaged in the venues will have to be tested for Covid-19 prior to their engagement in the preparations.
It has been instructed to limit the number of invitees, as it has been asked to ensure that the invitation shall not exceed one-third of the seating capacity of the venue. “The dais, rostrum, flag-pole, chairs and other equipment shall be sanitised in a proper manner before the commencement of the programme,” said the guidelines.
The GAD guidelines added that the entry points to the venues shall be manned by health officials along with the security personnel.: