News Analysis India

Tag: Coronavirus Outbreak

  • Rs 25 crore be disbursed for educational expenses of kids who lost parents to COVID in Maharashtra: SC

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Wednesday agreed for disbursal of over Rs 25 crore deposited with it five years ago by the Maharashtra government in the apex court registry towards educational expenses of children who have lost either or both parents during the COVID-19 pandemic in the state Maharashtra, one of the worst affected states during the second wave of pandemic earlier this year, had deposited the money in the apex court registry in an old matter related to medical college admissions.

    The top court noted that the total number of children who have lost either or both parents to COVID-19 in the State is 21,042 which includes 20,407 children who have lost a single parent and 635 children who have lost both parents.

    A bench of Justices DY Chandrachud and BV Nagarathna said that it is agreeable to the proposal of the state government that the amount of Rs 25 crore can be deposited in the Juvenile Justice Fund to provide necessary financial assistance up to the limit of Rs 10,000 per child one time for the educational expenses like school fees, hostel fees, educational materials.

    Standing counsel for the state government Sachin Patil said that the district task force will be given the responsibility of distribution of the amount after scrutinising the need-based applications and submitting the report to Commissioner, Women and Child Development, Pune.

    In its affidavit filed through Patil, the state government said that limitations are being faced while considering creating a new plan/scheme for utilisation of the amount of Rs 25 crore as directed by the top court in its earlier order.

    “With the limited fund of Rs 25 crore per head, the available amount to be used for these children in the new scheme is exiguous, amounting to around Rs 12,000 only. This is a huge barrier in settling practicable criteria for creating a new scheme or plan,” it said.

    The state government said that considering that the number of such children who may lose either or both parents to COVID-19 is expected to increase in near future; the new plan/scheme should have the provision of recurring expenditure.

    “With the limited amount of Rs 25 Crore, a plan/scheme for a large and increasing number of beneficiaries cannot be drafted,” the state government said while suggesting three options on how the amount shall be utilised for the benefit of such children.

    On September 13, the top court had said that it is in favour of disbursing the over Rs 25 crore deposited by the Maharashtra government in the apex court registry five years ago to children who lost both parents during the Covid pandemic in the state.

    It had noted that the State has formulated a policy on June 17, 2021, envisaging that Rs 5 lakh be placed in fixed deposit for children who lost both their parents due to the pandemic and the money will be payable to them after they attain the age of maturity.

    “The amount of Rs 20 crores which were deposited (by Maharashtra government) in pursuance of the order dated December 2, 2016, stands enhanced to Rs 25,53,25,548 as a result of accretions of interest,” it had said.

    The top court had further said that before it directs the disbursal of the money to the State of Maharashtra, it wants that a concrete statement be placed on affidavit about the manner in which the money will be utilised for the benefit of children affected by the death of either or both parents due to the Covid pandemic.

    On December 2, 2016, the top court while hearing an appeal of students against a Bombay High Court order on admissions to a medical college had said that since the State of Maharashtra is supporting the cause of the students, it should deposit an amount of Rs.20 crore in this court by December 15, 2016.

    On December 16, 2016, the top court, while dismissing the appeal of the students, directed that the amount be kept available for utilization for juvenile justice issues.

  • COVID test must for those visiting Bihar from other states during Diwali, Chhath: CM Nitish Kumar

    The CCTNS is a Government of India project for creating a comprehensive and integrated system for effective policing through e-governance.

  • Assam’s COVID positivity rate crosses 1 per cent mark again within four days

    By PTI

    GUWAHATI: The positivity rate of new Covid-19 cases in Assam breached the one per cent mark for the second time within a period of four days on Sunday while six fresh fatalities were reported, an official bulletin said.

    Altogether 205 new coronavirus cases were registered in the state during the day from 19,350 tests conducted, taking the total caseload to 6,06,468, the bulletin issued by the National Health Mission, Assam, said.

    The daily positivity rate was at 1.06 per cent on Sunday, after it had touched 1.53 per cent on Thursday.

    The rate was 0.93 per cent on Friday and 0.82 per cent on Saturday.

    Six deaths were reported during the day, one less than the previous day’s figure.

    Two fatalities each were registered from Barpeta and Dibrugarh districts while Kamrup Metropolitan and Kamrup Rural districts recorded one death each, the NHM bulletin said.

    The total Covid-19 death toll now stands at 5,950, while the number of coronavirus patients dying due to other causes remained at 1,347.

    Among the new cases detected on Sunday, 68 were from Kamrup Metropolitan and 24 from Jorhat districts.

    As many as 245 patients were discharged across the state during the day, taking the number of recovered people to 5,97,082 with a recovery rate of 98.45 per cent.

    The number of active cases in the state currently is 2,089.

    Meanwhile, 1.97 crore vaccine doses were administered in the state so far.

    The bulletin said 65,84,511 people have received both doses.

  • Uttarakhand achieves target of 100 per cent first dose COVID vaccination: CM Pushkar Singh Dhami

    By PTI

    DEHRADUN: Uttarakhand has administered the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine to its entire eligible population three months ahead of target, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said on Sunday.

    He told a press conference here that a total of 74 lakh people or 100 per cent of the eligible population across the state have been administered with the first dose of the vaccine against coronavirus.

    Claiming that the target has been achieved three months in advance, the chief minister thanked all government, private and voluntary agencies involved in the exercise.

    He also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for raising the supply of vaccine doses to the state from August onwards.

    Also, as many as 34.68 lakh people in the state have been administered with the second dose, he said.

    The chief minister also appealed to people who had taken the first dose to get their second dose on time.

    He also said the process of inoculating people under 18 years will also begin as soon as permission for this is received.

  • Chhattisgarh: 130 COIVD deaths in last 3-odd months, none were inoculated with vaccines

    Express News Service

    RAIPUR: The Covid-19 vaccines are safe, effective and once again proven to life-saving. Gauge it from the record of Chhattisgarh state where 130 people died owing to coronavirus infections since July 1 and none of them were administered even with a single dose.

    The report compiled by the State Death Audit Committee, inquired into the deaths owing to Covid in recent months and found they had not received any vaccine doses.

    During the past three-odd months as many as 63560 people got infected with Covid and those who were inoculated with the vaccines have recovered. So far 13569 people have died owing to the Covid-19 in Chhattisgarh during the pandemic. There is now a consistent decline in the Covid fatalities recorded across the state.

    “People shouldn’t hesitate to go for the Covid-19 vaccines available. The vaccines can only safeguard us and reduce the risk of infection getting critical among the patients. Simultaneously everyone should continue to follow other protocol measures to fight the pandemic,” said Dr Subhash Mishra spokesperson of the state health department and Director (Epidemic Control).

    Health experts with a firm believe asserted that inspite of clinical trial continuing to prevent re-infections with new coronavirus variants, the people who received both the doses of the Covid vaccines presumably stand better protected against some of the worrying coronavirus forms. 

    Various districts including the state capital have reported a slow down of the vaccination process despite adequate availability of vaccines in various centres.

    Month
    COVID-19 Deaths
    July
    86
    August
    30
    September
    11
    October
    03

  • Chhattisgarh: 130 COVID deaths in last 3-odd months, none were inoculated with vaccines

    Express News Service

    RAIPUR: The Covid-19 vaccines are safe, effective and once again proven to life-saving. Gauge it from the record of Chhattisgarh state where 130 people died owing to coronavirus infections since July 1 and none of them were administered even with a single dose.

    The report compiled by the State Death Audit Committee, inquired into the deaths owing to Covid in recent months and found they had not received any vaccine doses.

    During the past three-odd months as many as 63560 people got infected with Covid and those who were inoculated with the vaccines have recovered. So far 13569 people have died owing to the Covid-19 in Chhattisgarh during the pandemic. There is now a consistent decline in the Covid fatalities recorded across the state.

    “People shouldn’t hesitate to go for the Covid-19 vaccines available. The vaccines can only safeguard us and reduce the risk of infection getting critical among the patients. Simultaneously everyone should continue to follow other protocol measures to fight the pandemic,” said Dr Subhash Mishra spokesperson of the state health department and Director (Epidemic Control).

    Health experts with a firm believe asserted that inspite of clinical trial continuing to prevent re-infections with new coronavirus variants, the people who received both the doses of the Covid vaccines presumably stand better protected against some of the worrying coronavirus forms. 

    Various districts including the state capital have reported a slow down of the vaccination process despite adequate availability of vaccines in various centres.

    Month
    COVID-19 Deaths
    July
    86
    August
    30
    September
    11
    October
    03

  • COVID-19: Extension granted on limitation period for filing court cases to end on October 2, says SC

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court has said that the relaxation granted on the limitation period for filing court cases in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic would come to an end on October 2.

    A bench headed by Chief Justice N V Ramana ordered that period from March 15 last year till October 2 this year shall stand excluded from computing the period of limitation.

    Also, in cases where the limitation would have expired during the period between March 15, 2020 till October 2, 2021, all persons shall have a limitation period of 90 days from October 3, 2021 or the balance period originally left, whichever is longer.

    Earlier, the apex court had on March 23 last year invoked its plenary power under Article 142 of the Constitution to extend the limitation period indefinitely for appeals from courts or tribunals on account of the pandemic with effect from March 15, 2020.

    On March 8 this year, the top court had noted that the country is “returning to normalcy” and had decided to end the extension of the limitation period which was granted in March 2020 to the litigants due to the pandemic.

    However, the court had on April 27 took note of the onset of the second COVID-19 wave and again relaxed the statutory period for filing petitions, including the election petitions, under the Representation of the People Act, 1951.

    In its September 23 order passed in the suo motu matter ‘cognisance for extension of limitation’, the apex court noted, “In spite of all the uncertainties about another wave of the deadly COVID-19 virus, it is imminent that the order dated March 8, 2021 is restored as the situation is near normal.”

    “In computing the period of limitation for any suit, appeal, application or proceeding, the period from March 15, 2020 till October 2, 2021 shall stand excluded. Consequently, the balance period of limitation remaining as on March 15, 2021, if any, shall become available with effect from October 3, 2021,” said the bench, also comprising justices L Nageswara Rao and Surya Kant.

    The bench noted that it had heard submissions of Attorney General K K Venugopal, senior advocate Vikas Singh, who was appearing for the Election Commission of India, counsel appearing for the Supreme Court Advocates on Record Association and other lawyers on the issue.

    “There is consensus that there is no requirement for the continuance of the initial order passed by this court on March 23, 2020 and relaxation of the period of limitation need not be continued any further,” the court said.

    It said the order was passed on March 23 last year in view of the “extraordinary health crisis”.

    “On March 8, 2021, the order dated March 23, 2020 was brought to an end, permitting relaxation of the period of limitation between March 15, 2020 and March 14, 2021. While doing so, it was made clear that the period of limitation would start from March 15, 2021,” it said.

    The bench said as the March 8 this year order was “only a one-time measure”, in view of the pandemic, it is not inclined to modify the conditions contained in that order.

    “In cases where the limitation would have expired during the period between March 15, 2020 till October 2, 2021, notwithstanding the actual balance period of limitation remaining, all persons shall have a limitation period of 90 days from October 3, 2021.

    “In the event the actual balance period of limitation remaining, with effect from October 3, 2021, is greater than 90 days, that longer period shall apply,” it said.

    The apex court said the period from March 15 last year till October 2, 2021 shall also stand excluded in computing the periods prescribed under the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, the Commercial Courts Act, the Negotiable Instruments Act and any other laws which prescribe period of limitation.

    “The Government of India shall amend the guidelines for containment zones, to state. Regulated movement will be allowed for medical emergencies, provision of essential goods and services, and other necessary functions, such as, time-bound applications, including for legal purposes, and educational and job-related requirements,” the bench said in its order.

    While hearing the matter on September 23, the bench had taken note of the improved pandemic situation and observed that it will recall its April 27 order by which it had extended the operation of an earlier direction on limitation period.

    It had observed that the suo motu extension of the limitation period will be withdrawn and after that, the usual limitation period of 90 days for filing cases in courts will come into effect once again.

    During the hearing, the Attorney General had suggested that the March 8, 2021 order of the apex court, which had recalled the last year’s direction extending the limitation period indefinitely, may be restored.

  • Children less severely impacted by COVID-19 pandemic: WHO chief scientist Soumya Swaminathan

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: Children have been less severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and their chances of recovery are very well, World Health Organisation (WHO) chief scientist Soumya Swaminathan said on Friday.

    She, however, said SARS-CoV2 virus may not disappear, but it is not going to cause the kind of impact and panic it caused over the last two years.

    Participating in a virtual session on ‘Priorities after Pandemic; What Young India wants?’- Indian Student Parliament, Swaminathan said the reason why people talk about children being susceptible is because vaccination programmes today in most countries are targeting people above the age of 18 and elderly as they are the most vulnerable.

    “When you do that, you are left with younger, and younger people who are unvaccinated. And, therefore, when you have the virus circulating in the community, those people are basically the susceptible population,” she said in response to a question.

    In many countries, it is seen that by vaccinating older people, the infection pattern shifts to younger people.

    “I want to assure you that children on the whole have been less severely impacted by this pandemic. Not that they don’t get infected. Yes, they do get infected as adults but they don’t get severely ill. Clearly, it is an age-related correlation with the severity,” she said.

    “Even if they get infected, the chances are that they recover very well,” the WHO chief scientist said.

    On inoculation of children against the virus in India, she said there will be vaccines for children.

    The drug regulator has given a nod to Zydus Cadila for administering to adolescents over 12 years, besides the age group of 18 years and above.

    The phase 2/3 clinical trial data of Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin in the age group two to 18 years is underway.

    The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) in July granted permission to Serum Institute of India (SII) for conducting phase 2/3 trials of COVID-19 vaccine Covovax on children aged two to 17 years with certain conditions.

    Swaminathan added that many countries have third, fourth and fifth waves and hoped that India will not have a third wave.

    Commenting on how the pandemic could shape, she said COVID-19 is going to become the next respiratory virus.

    Stressing that vaccines are working very well and give a good deal of protection, she said wearing a mask, avoiding crowds and mass gatherings, being in a well-ventilated place and respiratory hygiene are some of the measures that can keep the spread of the virus under control.

    “The virus may not disappear. But it is not going to cause the kind of impact, the kind of panic caused over the last two years. Some of these precautions will become part of our life,” she said.

  • Don’t allow mass gatherings in containment zones, districts with over 5 per cent COVID positivity rate: Centre

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: Ahead of the upcoming festive season, the Centre has asked states and Union Territories to ensure that mass gatherings are not allowed in containment zones and in districts reporting over five percent Covid case positivity rate.

    In a letter to chief secretaries of all states and Union Territories, Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan said these gatherings should also be monitored and necessary enforcement and penal actions should be taken in case of violations in physical distancing and mask usage norms.

    “As a matter of abundant caution, no mass gatherings should be allowed. In areas identified as containment zones and in districts reporting more than 5 per cent case positivity.

    “Gatherings with advance permissions and limited people (as per local context) may be allowed only in districts reporting a positivity rate of 5 per cent or below,” he said.

    Restrictions and relaxations should be imposed and monitored based on weekly case positivity or a high bed occupancy (Oxygen and ICU beds), and restrictions if any should be imposed without any delay and for a minimum period of 14 days besides continued focus on the five-fold strategy of Test-Track-Treat-Vaccinate and adherence to Covid-Appropriate Behaviour, he told states.

    Noting that it is a critical period as there may be a tendency to ignore Covid-safe behaviour during festivals, resulting in large gatherings, events and fairs, Bhushan said it is critical to enforce adherence to guidelines to allow festivities in a cautious, safe and Covid appropriate manner.

    “Any laxity in implementation of Covid appropriate behaviour could lead to serious consequences and can result in a surge in cases,” he said.

    To safely navigate through the festive season without any adverse consequences in the form of infection outbreak, the Centre said it is important that states continue to diligently follow the five pillars of COVID-19 Management — “Test-Track-Treat-vaccinate and adherence to Covid-appropriate behaviour”.

    The Centre said there should be strict adherence to limits on gatherings linked with availability of space to ensure effective physical distancing and use of volunteers to aid thermal screenings, to enforce use of masks and physical distancing.

    “Closed circuit cameras may also be utilized to monitor compliance to physical distancing and use of masks,” the Centre told states in the letter issued on Tuesday.

    As an abundant caution, the Centre said states can continue with night curfews, weekend curfews and other restrictions to highlight that COVID-19 is still not over and to influence adherence to Covid-appropriate behaviour.

    “States shall closely monitor the case trajectories across all districts on a daily basis to identify any early warning signals and shall ensure imposition of restrictions and adherence to COVID Appropriate Behaviour as a non-pharmaceutical intervention to control the spread of infection,” the Centre said.

    The Centre further said it is important that these guidelines are reiterated and ensured by the state governments among all concerned for effective follow up in a mission-mode approach to maintain the gains made so far in COVID-19 management and avoid any resurgence of cases.

  • Young children’s diets show no improvement in last decade, ‘could get worse’ under COVID: UNICEF

    As the pandemic continues to disrupt essential services and drives more families into poverty, the report found that COVID-19 is also affecting how families feed their children.