Hold or postpone BTC elections: Assam Health Dept writes to State Election Commission

Guwahati: Assam Health and Education Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma today said that the state government has sent a written request to State Election Commission to put BTC (Bodoland Territorial Council) elections on hold due to the worsening COVID situation in the state.

"The state health department has sent in writing to the State Election Commission and the Chief Secretary to either put the BTAD elections (for BTC) on hold or further delay it. Day before yesterday we have informed the Chief Secretary to put the BTC elections on hold and also withdraw the model code of conduct," the minister said speaking on the sidelines of an event at Guwahati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH).

The minister further said that if the elections and campaigning in BTAD (Bodoland Territorial Autonomous District) areas are not stopped then it would be very difficult for the health department to control the spread of coronavirus.

"The spread of the virus would not just be limited to the four districts of BTAD. It would spread to Barpeta, Darrang, Nalbari, Sonitpur, and other areas too. We will not be able to handle the situation. We are already facing oxygen shortage," the minister added.

The number of COVID cases in the state stands at 1,52,858. Active cases are at 28, 631, and 1,23,684 people have recovered so far. The death toll is at 540.

Sarma, who is also the Education minister of the state spoke on the re-opening of schools from Monday. He said that students of classes IX to XII would be allowed to attend schools only with written consent from their parents or guardian. Students who have facilities to be taught by someone elder at home should continue to study at home and attend online classes and not attend school.

The minister said that clear SOPs and directives have been issued to schools and colleges regarding guidelines to be followed once the schools re-open.

College students have been given the facility to attend any college near their home. If a student of Cotton University in Guwahati is a resident of Tezpur then he would be allowed to attend any college in Tezpur. Instructions regarding this have been issued to the colleges and universities, the minister said.

Hostels would continue to remain shut.

The minister was speaking to the media after handing over air tickets to 70 children who will fly to Bengaluru and Kolkata for cardiac surgery and bone marrow transplant. All travel and surgery cost is being borne by the Assam health department. This is part of the Sewa Saptah of BJP to celebrate Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 70th birthday.

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