Patnaik assures safe return of Odias stranded in other states

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen

Patnaik on Sunday said steps will be taken by his government for the safe return of lakhs of Odias stranded across the country due to the nationwide lockdown, after restrictions are withdrawn.

Once the lockdown curbs are lifted, Odisha in coordination with the host state and the Centre will facilitate the return of all those who want to come back home, the chief minister said in a video message.

The government will have a technology-based system to facilitate it, Patnaik said.

The chief minister also announced that the state government has taken a decision for providing sarpanches of gram panchayats with powers of district collectors for effective management of COVID-19 in a decentralized manner.

Necessary legal steps have been taken in this regard, Patnaik said.

Mentioning that a decentralized and humane approach will be adopted to ensure the safe return of the stranded people, Patnaik said, cooperation of the community is essential.

Gram ...