Coronavirus: Centre sets up 11 response groups with PMO & cabinet secretariat members

Taking action to battle pandemic Coronavirus (COVID-19), Central government on Sunday, has set up 11 empowered groups for ensuring a comprehensive and integrated response to COVID-19, according to ANI sources. Moreover, 9 of 11 groups will be headed by Secretary level officers, 1 by a member of NITI Aayog and 1 by CEO NITI Aayog. se groups which have been set up under Disaster Manment Act will each have a senior representative from PMO and one from Cabinet Secretariat.

Two Indian Army officers with travel history test positive for Coronavirus

11 empowered groups set up by Centre

groups have been empowered to  identify problem areas, provide solutions, delineate policy, formulate plans, strategise operationsa nd teke necessary steps for effective and time-bound implementation. Moreover, Department of Expenditure has issued special instructions to enable expeditious decision making in procurement matters. Sources report that se groups have been formed by a direct order from PM Modi.

Here are 11 groups and members:

MHA orders states: 14-day quarantine for migrant workers who left homes, waives rent

Union Ministers' meet on COVID-19

Earlier in day, a high-level meeting of Union Ministers was held at residence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Home Minister Amit Shah, I&B Minister Prakash Javadekar, Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and or senior ministers were present at meeting. Union ministers reviewed all issues related to COVID19, including maintaining supply chain of essential commodities like food, medicine, energy products etc and also decided that migrants will be provided temporary shelters to stay.

Coronavirus LIVE Updates: MHA orders sealing all state borders, total cases at 1024

Coronavirus crisis in India

As of date, 1024 positive cases have been reported of pandemic Coronavirus (COVID-19) - 95 have been discharged and Maharashtra reporting highest at 203. 27 deaths have been reported till date. India has suspended all visas and barred travel from Afghanistan, Philippines, EU, UK, China, Malaysia and mandatory 14-day quarantine from several or countries and Prime Minister has issued a 21-day countrywide lockdown starting from 25 March to April 15.  PM Modi has also launched Prime Minister’s Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations Fund (PM CARES Fund), where citizens can contribute to aide government's efforts in supporting those affected by disasters - like COVID-19. Visit official government site here: MINISTRY OF HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE

Ex-NDA minister Yashwant Sinha slams PM Modi's 21-day lockdown call; terms it 'Jail Hind'