Assam govt won’t deduct salary of its employees until compelled to do so: Himanta

March 27: Assam State Finance Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma while addressing the press in Guwahati said that the salaries of state government employees will not be deducted as of now. He said, “The salaries of Assam govt employees would not be deducted for the month of March, 2020, until it is compelled to do so. I am exploring all possibilities and talked with Karmachari Parishad, doctors etc. If compelling need arises, we may do so but will pay them back the deducted amount soon.”

Earlier, during the day, the Assam govt in its big fight against coronavirus decided to deduct a minimum of 10 percent to a maximum of 20 percent salary of its employees from the current month. The deducted salaries will be refunded in the next financial year with a 4.5 per cent interest.

Press Conference at NHM Office. Watch Live https://t.co/5ofuUO8otT via @YouTube

— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) March 27, 2020

The finance minister further informed that til now 308 samples were tested in Assam. The reports of 277 persons were found to be negeative, while the reports of 31 were still awaited. That means still now, there are no instances of any COVID-19 positive patients in Assam. He said that as per the plan of the state government, the state is fully prepared in its fight against coronavirus.

The state of Assam has only 7 medical colleges. The minister said that in case situation become like that of Italy or France, than the govt will be setting up of atleast 300-bedded 5 hospitals with ICU/ventilation and all other modern amenities, the tender for which will be floated on Friday. Many of the MPs from Assam have voluntarily contributed money from MPLADS, which will make up for the cost of 1 such new hospital. Further, the employees association and Assam College Teachers Association (ACTA) have assured to give 1 day’s salary. This will pay towards building another hospital. Those hospitals would be ready by next 2 months and will be specifically for COVID-19. Many from the state are donating in ‘Arogya NITI.’ The longevity of these new hospitals will be for 5 years.

Further, the minister said that patients from all the medical colleges of the state will now be shifted to private nursing homes of the state. Guwhati Medical College will cease to function from Friday except cancer and maternity. MBBS final year students will be engaged for COVID-19 treatment. Doctors working in rural areas may also be brought for Coronavirus related treatment. They will be given training from Saturday on corona specific treatment.

Private hospitals will be paid at the rate fixed by the government. Government Medical Colleges will only be dedicated for Corona patients from Saturday. The minister also said that those inhabitants of Assam struck outside the state will be send financial assistance by the Assam govt.