 Early Times Report
JAMMU, Mar 16: Though District Magistrate Kathua had ordered closure of all shopping malls, gyms, swimming pools and recreational clubs to avoid gathering of people, as a precautionary measure to contain the spread of COVID-19 but Social Welfare Department invited guests inside the premises of DC office Kathhua, for the launch of a magazine, raising serious question mark over the activity.
The District Magistrate vide number DMK/JC.2020/2170 dated 13/3/2020 had closed all shopping malls, gyms, swimming pools and recreational clubs in Kathua, to avoid gathering of people as a precautionary measure to contain the spread of Corona virus.
However on 16th of March 2020, in the premises of Deputy Commissioner office Kathua, Social Welfare department in collaboration with District Employment and Counselling Centre launched a career guidance magazine, under Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme. DDC Kathua OP Bhagat along with SSP Kathua Dr. Shailendra Mishra launched the magazine, as per press release. Sources said that ADCs of Kathua, Billawar and Basohli, ACR, PO ICDS, Ritu Mahajan, DSWO, Abdul Raheem, CPO, Uttam Singh, CMO, Dr. Ashok Chaudhary, DEPO and Tehsildars were all present during the program.
The officials could be seen standing by shoulder to shoulder in a photograph send to various media houses, which raise serious question mark over the organizers of the function.
"The government has been repeatedly issuing advisories to avoid gathering but Social Welfare department organize gathering of officials that too at a time, when some districts have already imposed Section 144", an official said, adding that even the DM Kathua has himself issued directions, closing shopping malls, gyms etc but these officials themselves have been attending the gatherings.
"How it could be possible that there are apprehensions of spreading COVID-19 in shopping malls, gyms, schools, colleges but not in the premises of DC office Kathua. Is the DC office Kathua premises are insulated and COVID-19 could not attack inside the premises", an official said, adding that such functions should be avoided by the officials. |
