Naveen Patnaik
Odisha
Naveen Patnaik
Naveen Patnaik was one of the first chief ministers to understand the severity of the COVID-19 outbreak, and the state started its preparations by February-end. On March 3, he opened a web portal to register those returning from abroad and other states so as to track their health status. About 15,000 people are currently being monitored.
Before locking down the state on March 21, Patnaik set up emergency helplines. Though following the rules of isolation, Patnaik is in touch virtually with all his ministers and bureaucrats and is active on social media.
The government is providing free rations and an allowance of Rs 1,000 to 16.4 million people in the state for three months and Rs 1,500 a month to about 2.2 million workers. Doctors, nurses and medical staff are getting four months’ salary in advance.
On a lighter note, the CM is also trying to ensure that the health of women does not suffer during the lockdown. He has asked the state’s menfolk to help with the house work and not expect to be waited on hand and foot
