Odisha MPs dole out funds to fight COVID-19

Bhubaneswar: Amid the COVID-19 outbreak, Parliamentarians and MLAs from Odisha have come forward to contribute to different districts of the State in the fight against coronavirus (COVID-19). Koraput MP Saptagiri Sankar Ulaka and Sundargarh MP Jual Oram are the latest addition to the bandwagon of politicians who have joined hands to fight the deadly virus.

The Congress MP from Koraput contributed Rs 1 crore from his MPLADS funds to Koraput and Rayagada districts to combat the COVID-19 threat.

In a letter, the MP asked the two District Collectors to present an estimated cost for purchase of infra-red thermometers, personal protection equipment for medical personnel, Corona testing kits, ICU ventilator, face masks, gloves, thermal imaging scanners and other medical equipment recommended by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

The Parliamentarian also requested the district administration to make use of the DMF funds to carry out medical testing, screening and other facilities needed to detect and contain COVID-19.

In a similar move, Sundargarh MP Jual Oram recommends release of Rs 25 lakh out of his MPLADS funds to Sundargarh district for purchase of medical equipments to fight COVID-19.

Worth mentioning, as a part of the Government’s efforts to contain the spread of COVID–19, the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation has issued a circular granting one-time dispensation for utilizing funds under the MPLADS to address the challenges in the fight against the virus.