Shillong, April 20: Meghalaya chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Monday said that the government is setting set up relief camps in the mining areas where lots of labourers are stranded due to the nationwide lockdown to combat COVID-19.

“There are some suggestions that relief camp be set up in the mining areas, as many labourers are stranded. The government is helping in the labourers in those areas, and if there are any area which is left out, government will take necessary action,” he said.

Stating that relief camps have been set up in most of the mining areas, the Chef Minister said, “In case there are any areas left out, I will once again check on that and ensure that all steps are taken”.

On migrant labourers from different parts of the country who are stranded in the state due to the lockdown, Sangma said, “It is very clear that every state government in every part of the country is supposed to take care of all migrant labourers. So like it is being done in other parts of the country, even the Meghalaya Government has been supporting and taking care and providing shelter to all migrant labourers who have come here from different parts of the country”.

Informing that a list of 1,617 people stranded in different parts of the country has already been prepared, Sangma said that financial aid under Chief Minister’s Special Grant for individuals stranded in different parts of the country is under process, wherein students and working professionals will be given lumps support of Rs. 3000 each.

On drivers involved in supplying of essential commodities in the State, Sangma said that they are being screened and tested.

“We are disinfecting the trucks and the vehicles that are coming in to our States. There is delay in the transportation of products because these processes and protocols are being followed,” he added.