Covid curbs will be made stricter, but no lockdown: Rajasthan CM

JAIPUR : Expressing concern over spike in Covid-19 cases, chief minister Ashok Gehlot said on Saturday that restrictions imposed the state government would be made stricter if the situation worsens, but he ruled out the possibility of clamping a lockdown.

“People have become careless about coronavirus. If necessary, we will make the restrictions stricter. People do not want a lockdown. Lockdown is very dangerous. Everybody’s employment stops. We have to be strict without imposing a lockdown,” Gehlot said, unveiling works worth ₹55 crore related to six medical colleges.

“We have to take the second wave of coronavirus seriously. On March 18 last year, there were 14 Covid-19 cases in Rajasthan. On 18 March this year, 370 cases have been reported.”

He said the government’s Covid management was excellent, due to which the recovery rate was the highest and the mortality rate was the lowest in the state. “We do not want the virus to spread in Rajasthan again. Condition is very bad in many states, so we have to be alert.” Gehlot said that registration for the universal health coverage scheme will start from April 1. Rajasthan will insure free treatment of up to ₹5 lakh. The scheme was announced by the chief minister in the state budget for 2021-22.

“The scheme will come into effect from May 1. The central government will give ₹350 crore for this scheme and Rajasthan government will spend ₹3000 crore. Everyone will get the benefit of this scheme. Even rich people can also avail of health insurance by depositing ₹850 per month,” he said. “Development works, water, electricity, education, irrigation, social welfare and other sectors are also on the government’s priority list, but health is the topmost priority area for us,” Gehlot said.