Kicking off the Assembly election campaign, Bihar Chief Minister and Janata Dal (United) chief addressed a virtual rally on Monday. In his maiden election address, Kumar listed the efforts being taken by the state government to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus.

He said the state had taken care of the situation that developed due to the coronavirus outbreak.

About coronavirus testing

In March, 20,000 samples were tested for coronavirus each day in the state. Now over 150,000 samples are being tested per day, the CM said.

The state is conducting 11,350 RT PCR tests but aims to reach 20,000 tests soon. He said the centre will provide 10 RT PCR machines to the state government to increase its Covid-19 testing capacity.

On COVID-19 preparedness

He said the state has enough ICU beds and the hospitals are ready for every situation. For those who die of COVID-19, the state government has made a provision of Rs 4 lakh for the deceased’s family, the CM said. 

On doctors and health workers on COVID-19 duty

All doctors and other health workers have been provided a health insurance of Rs 50 lakh. If a frontline health worker dies while serving Covid-19 duty, job will be given to the kin of the deceased, Kumar announced. Also, the family  will get a pension depending on the pay scale of the deceased health worker till his/her retirement period, he announced further.

On ration during coronavirus lockdown

Amid the coronavirus-induced lockdown, all ration card holders were provided 5 kg rice and 1 kg pulses and this will be continued till November, the CM said at the virtual rally.

Till now 23,38,000 households in Bihar have been provided ration cards, Kumar said.

On mid-day meals

Since schools are shut due to pandemic, the Bihar government is providing money to students, in place of meal, the CM said.