Social gathering cap goes with SOP rider in Chandigarh

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, January 29

As the number of active Covid-19 cases has started declining, the UT Administration has decided to remove the cap on the number of persons attending social or religious gatherings in the city. The decision was taken during a review meeting chaired by UT Administrator VP Singh Badnore here today.

Earlier, social, religious, sports, entertainment, educational, cultural or religious gatherings were permitted with a maximum of 50 per cent of the hall capacity and a ceiling of 200 persons in closed spaces.

Now, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has allowed such gatherings subject to standard operating procedures (SOPs) of the state or the UT concerned.

“Now, there will be no limit on the number of persons attending social events. However, strict Covid protocol has to be followed as per the SOPs issued by the MHA,” said UT Adviser Manoj Parida.

The Administrator appealed to the residents to follow Covid-appropriate behaviour.

In the meeting, it was also decided that the colleges in the UT can reopen from February 11 and impart both online and offline teaching. As already decided, the schools will reopen from February 1 for classes VI to VIII.

The Administrator directed the Administration to request the Government of India to introduce a scheme under which a compensation of Rs50 lakh be given in the event of death of any employee engaged in Covid duty. Presently, such a scheme was applicable only to health employees. The Administrator directed that the proposal may be sent for covering other employees under the scheme too.

The Administrator directed the Chandigarh Housing Board to examine the demand of residents for a one-time regularisation of additional construction.

Badnore said since a lot of construction and development have happened outside Lal Dora, the Administration should formulate a scheme to regularise the development.

A detailed discussion on the matter will be held during meetings of the Administrator’s Advisory Council or its sub-committees. Badnore also finalised the list of agenda items to be taken up in the next meeting of the council, which will be held on February 10.

An official said opening of nursing homes in the residential sectors, which was backed by local MP Kirron Kher, was among the issues to be taken up at the meeting. A sub-committee on urban planning has already rejected the proposal.

The council is likely to discuss a few engineering proposals too.

Reviewing the progress of works for setting up an international-level shooting range, antique car museum in the Press Building and Sardar Beant Singh India International Centre, the Administrator directed officials to expedite the works so as to make up for the time lost due to the pandemic.