Manipur MLAs to get Rs 25 lakh under MLADF to fight COVID-19

Imphal, Apr 9 () Manipur Chief Minister N BirenSingh on Thursday said that in view of the COVID-19 pandemicthe state cabinet has decided to give Rs 25 lakh to eachlegislator as part of MLA local area development fund (MLADF).

He said the MLAs can use the money to provide water,essential commodities, protective gears to people in theirareas to fight the coronavirus pandemic.

The state Cabinet on Wednesday approved the proposaland money has also been released, the CM said.

In a video message the chief minister said: "We expectthe extension of the lockdown and support the idea of itsextension as precautionary measures, based on recommendationsof medical experts."

The chief minister also said that the state governmenthas decided to give Rs 35 lakh to the medical team andofficials of JNIMS who treated the state's first COVID-19patient.

A 23-year-old woman had tested positive for COVID-19in Manipur on March 23 and was admitted to JNIMS IsolationWard. However, she has recovered and tested negative forcoronavirus on April 6, Health Minister L Jayantakumar Singhhad said.

The chief minister also acknowledged the contributionsmade by Health officials, police and other governmentfunctionaries in the nation's fight against the COVID-19pandemic.

"The Centre as of now has sent four consignments ofmedical equipment mostly PPE, hand gloves, N-95 masks and weexpect arrival of other consignments as well," he said.

He also said that the Central authority has approvedthe proposal to upgrade District Hospital Churachandpur toState Medical College. CORRG RG