Published on March 24, 2020
AHMEDABAD: In a major decision, the Gujarat government has decided to mass-promote all the students of class 1 to 9 and 11 to the upper standard without examination. The decision was taken in view of the uncertainty over lockdown and spread of COVID-19 in Gujarat.
Till Tuesday morning, the state has reported 33 positive cases and a death due to COVID-19. To fight the cluster spread of the viral infection, the state government has imposed lockdown of the entire state from March 24 to 31. Only the essential services are functional in the state.
Ashwani Kumar, secretary to CM, told media on Tuesday that the CM has decided to mass-promote students of class 1 to 9 and 11. “The decision has been taken to ensure their safety. All the educational institutes – schools, colleges and universities – in the state would be closed till March 31,” said Kumar.
Kumar said that they are ensuring adequate supplies of the essential commodities including milk, vegetables, fruits, etc. to Gujarat. “On Tuesday, 64 major markets were open and eight were closed according to traditional practice. The supplies from within and outside Gujarat had arrived, and the system is in place to ensure that there is no shortage,” he said. “There is no need for hoarding. We are taking steps to ensure no profiteering.”
The secretary added that other essential services such as gas and electricity, water supply, sewage, government services, etc. are functional in addition to government departments such as health & family welfare, home and local governance among others.
“However, we have ensured that the government offices function with the bare minimum staff. We will soon be issuing a directive by GAD for the same. Those not directly associated with the essential services have been asked not to attend offices. The officers and personnel are asked to follow health directives,” said Kumar.
Mohammad Shahid, secretary (food and civil supplies), said that there are 17,000 fair price shops in Gujarat. “Review of the stock has taken place and we have ensured that all the families get the ration. The shop operators have also assured us of all the support while following rules for the social distancing,” he said.
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