Governor Biswa Bhusan Harichandan has welcomed the frontline workers for their efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19.
“Approximately 40% of the total COVID-19 deaths in India occurred during the second wave of the pandemic,” Harichandan said during his virtual address to the joint AP State Legislature session prior to the start of the budget session.
The governor said the Andhra Pradesh government showed great commitment in dealing with the pandemic during the first wave and did so in the second wave.
The government had set up 632 COVID hospitals with a total bed capacity of 46,056 and hired 18,270 additional staff to deal with the crisis. The government also brought 50% of the beds in private hospitals under the purview of the Aarogyasri program, he said.
“The tests have been expanded. Of the 1.80 crore samples tested so far, 14.54 Lakh people tested positive. The tests performed per million are 3.3 lakh versus the national average of 2.2 lakh, ”he said.
The government had also shown its commitment to ensuring adequate oxygen supplies through the procurement of cryogenic tankers from overseas.
“The state has been allocated 590 tons of oxygen per day, which it takes full advantage of,” he added.
Regarding the vaccination program, he said that the first dose of vaccine was given to 53.28 lakh and the second dose of 21.64 lakh to the total population of 1.48 million people who cover health and frontline workers and those over 45 years old .
Economic revitalization
The governor also praised the steps taken to revitalize the economy.
The state economy’s projections for 2020-21 forecast an overall growth rate of 1.58% versus the country’s growth rate of (-) 3.8% at current prices. The state’s per capita income increased by 1.03% from 1.68 lakh in 2019-20 to 1.70 lakh in 2020-21.
While the governor stressed that the government had shown its commitment to delivering on all promises and getting a number of welfare systems in motion, he said that despite the adverse effects of COVID-19 on the economy, the government in its vow to take a To ensure inclusive governance and to remain unwavering, steadfast support for the well-being of farmers, women, disadvantaged, marginalized and vulnerable groups.
Navaratnalu
Navaratnalu, a unique holistic approach, has greatly improved citizens’ lives, he said.
“The implementation of welfare programs through the village / community secretariat and volunteer system has facilitated the disbursement of grants directly to beneficiaries’ bank accounts with no leaks,” he said.
The government had also announced the welfare calendar for the year 2021-22, which allows for advance planning for the implementation of all systems and thus comprehensively covers all eligible beneficiaries.
Quoting Mahatma Gandhi, the governor said positive thoughts would enable people to speak positive words and ultimately lead them to maintain positive values.
The governor ended his speech with a call to citizens to take the necessary security measures to protect themselves from COVID-19.