1 official to keep tabs on 5 marriage lawns

JAIPUR: For every five marriage gardens, a nodal officer will be appointed to keep a vigil on organisers and ensure that Covid guidelines are adhered to in the state during weddings.
The decision was taken at a review meeting of the officials of local bodies and public representatives chaired by urban development and housing (UDH) minister Shanti Dhariwal on Saturday. A day earlier, the state government announced to reduce the number of guests for marriages from 50 to 31.
An official at the meeting said, “Strict directions have been issued to seize the marriage gardens instantly where protocol is not followed.”
The minister also directed local bodies to spread an awareness campaign and appeal people to cooperate with the government machinery, frontline staff and obey the rules during the Epidemic Red Alert-Self Discipline Fortnight.
The local bodies were also given a free hand to run an extensive operation and impose fine on offenders violating the norms. It was reviewed that so far, local bodies have imposed a fine of Rs 4.60 crore and sealed 20,986 establishments in the state.
It was reviewed that a total 18,920 Covid patients in hospitals, isolation wards and Covid care centers are being benefited by the free food scheme supplied by Indira Rasoi after 4,154 additional counters were opened in the state.
The minister on the demand of the district administration and hospitals recently announced to make special arrangements to provide fresh and nutritious food to Covid patients.
Dhariwal said, “Powers were given to the urban bodies and district collector to establish the Indira Rasoi extension counters in hospitals and isolation wards as per requirement so that Covid patients as well as their families and hospital staff can also get the benefit of Indira Rasoi Yojana.” The UDH department has also allocated Rs 34 crore to local bodies after the government decided to bear all the expenses, including transportation, for the last rites of those who died of corona.