COVID-19 Lockdown: Odisha CM talks to Maharashtra CM for return of Odia migrants

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Sunday discussed with his Maharashtra counterpart Uddhav Thackeray for safe return of Odia migrants stranded in Maharashtra.

In a video conference, Patnaik requested Thackeray to arrange for safe return of stranded Odia people.

Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan attended the video conferencing from New Delhi. He also emphasised on registration of all Odia migrants before their return.

The state government has decided that they will be brought back primarily by bus. Besides, the government would discuss on other medium of transportation, said a statement from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO).

Senior officials from both the states would coordinate for transportation, it said.

Registration shall be compulsory for all the persons willing to return. After their return, they shall undergo quarantine for 14 days and will be provided other benefits.

Earlier on Sunday, Patnaik had discussed with his Gujarat counterpart Vijay Rupani for the safe return of stranded Odia migrants there.

(IANS)