From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network

Bengaluru, Jan 26: Karnataka has emerged as the model State in the entire country in effectively fighting in the war against the COVID 19 pandemic, Governor Vajubhai Vala said in Bengaluru on Tuesday.

Addressing the Republic Day parade at the Manikshaw Parade Grounds in Bengaluru after hoisting the national tricolour, he said the State had waged a relentless and exemplary battle by conducting systematic testing and treatment to the COVID 19 affected people and preventing the spread of the pandemic.

Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa welcomed the Governor on his arrival at the Parade Grounds on Mahatma Gandhi Road in Bengaluru. The Chief Secretary P Ravikumar and other senior officials attended the function.

While Karnataka has managed to check the incidence of the disease with its continued efforts with the wholehearted cooperation of the healthcare staff and the people, the Governor said the country had succeeded in producing PPE kits, Ventilators and other equipment to tackle the pandemic under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership through th4 Atma Nirbhar Bharat campaign.

"It is a matter of pride that India has already produced two vaccines and has started exporting it to other countries as well,’’ he said pointing out that the vaccines will be administered to all citizens in a phased programme.

"We are in the final phase of the war against the COVID 19 pandemic and it must be carried out to its logical end by wiping out the disease. Wearing of masks, maintaining social distancing norms and regular washing of hands as well as other necessary protocols must become a habit to contain the spread of the virus,’’ he said.

The Governor said the doctors, nurses and hospital staff as well as police and other health warriors were the 'real heroes' and their selfless and relentless efforts must be applauded by all people. Vala was all praise for the leadership of the B S Yediyurappa-led BJP government in the State for its timely action and interventions to help the people affected by the pandemic, especially the migrant labourers and other sections of the working classes besides small and medium businesses and professionals.

Over 16 lakh construction workers in the State have been provided a one-time payment to the tune of Rs 861.21 crore by the State Government. The farmers, workers in the unorganized sector, taxi and auto rickshaw drivers, weavers, barbers and other professionals totaling over 63,59,000 have been offered financial assistance of Rs 5,372 crore while 92,070 horticulture growers as well as cultivators of fruits, vegetables and floriculturists have been assisted to the tune of Rs 107 crore, he said.

The Governor lauded the infrastructure development efforts of the State Government in implementing smart city and other projects besides the recently launched Police Gruha 2025 and Karnataka Digital Economy Mission.

He was very appreciative of the launch of the first-ever Green Index Performance Kit as part of the drive to protect environment.

The Chief Minister hoisted the national flag at his official residence Cauvery in the morning. He later paid homage to the valiant freedom fighter Sangolli Rayanna by garlanding the statue.