Lok Sabha Question No. 105 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-07-19
Subject: COVID Amongst PVTGs
Ministry: TRIBAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Saptagiri Sankar Ulaka

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA (MINISTRY OF TRIBAL AFFAIRS)

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.105

TO BE ANSWERED ON 19.07.2021

## COVID AMONGST PVTGS

## 105. SHRI SAPTAGIRI SANKAR ULAKA:

Will the Minister of TRIBAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) the details of spread of Covid amongst PVTGs groups in Odisha;
- (b) whether any special measures have been taken by the Government to prevent spread of Covid19 in Tribal hinterlands; and
- (c) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR TRIBAL AFFAIRS (SHRI BISHWESWAR TUDU)

- (a) The details of spread of COVID amongst PVTG groups in Odisha is as follows:
- (b) & (c) :  Yes, sir.  As reported by the State Government of Odisha, various measures to prevent spread of Covid-19 in the tribal hinterlands of PVTG areas have been taken which are as under:

| No. of cases detected   | No. of recovered cases   | No. of active cases   | No. of active cases   | No. of active cases   | Total   | Death Cases   |
|-------------------------|--------------------------|-----------------------|-----------------------|-----------------------|---------|---------------|
| No. of cases detected   | No. of recovered cases   | In Home isolation     | Hospitalised          | Quarantine Centre     |         |               |
| 314                     | 314                      | 0                     | 0                     | 0                     | 0       | 0             |

## A. Action on Containment & preventive measures

-  Door to door survey by Community Resource Persons (CRPs) jointly with ASHA & AWW have been conducted (64214  HHs surveyed in 1679 PVTG villages so far)
-  Special vaccination camps organized (23968 no. of PVTGs got vaccinated)
-  Assistance by the Community Resource Person  in COWIN registration
-  Provisioning of Health Kits to all the frontline workers serving PVTGs with 10 different items including masks, sanitizers etc.
-  Distribution of masks, sanitizers to the PVTG HHs during awareness campaigns,
-  Equipment like Oximeter, Thermal Screening are provided to the CRPs for door to door survey
-  Use of local dialects-Awareness message in all the 13 PVTGs dialect prepared and are used in the field
-  Use of Public address systems in hard to reach difficult terrains for massive awareness
-  Headman/Tribal  leaders  have  been  explained/oriented  about COVID-19  and  its  effective management
-  CRPs with ASHA & AWW are sensitizing on sanitation and cleanliness to their houses and their village premises
-  E-pass to outsiders- Villagers have made controlled entry to the villages. In border villages, local administration  has  also  deployed  police  personnel  to  check  entry  of  any  outsiders  from neighbouring State.

## B. Action on Clinical Management

-  Teams of dedicated Doctors/Nurses have been constituted to look into the PVTG areas and ensure timely treatment.
-  Oxygen & ICU facilities have been arranged for use in case of emergency treatment, if any.
-  Dedicated Ambulance for each MPA through Dept. and arrangement from nearby Medical Wing has been kept in readiness to address exigency issues.
-  EMRS/Tribal School Hostel/Community Centre are being used as Isolation /Quarantine Centre through local administration.
-  PVTG Education Complex, nearby schools and other vacant Halls in community have been used for such purpose.
-  The expenses are being borne by the State Govt. for treatment in COVID Care Hospital and local administration at Isolation/Quarantine Centres.
-  Monetary assistance to Covid positive PVTG patients-An amount of Rs.1400/- @ Rs.100/- per day is given to the affected PVTG patient for availing 14 days stay in Institutional Centre.

## C. Action on Community Engagement & Social Awareness

-  Mikes/Loudspeakers on Vans/Auto are being used for Sensitization in massive campaign mode. Where vehicle movement is not possible, use of hand mike is ensured. Posters/flexes/leaflets are also distributed among PVTG communities.
-  Symptoms  of  COVID-19  along  with  introduction  to  Black  &  White  fungus    are  also  being covered in awareness program.
-  Audio, videos-Local PVTG dialect-Audios and videos in PVTG dialects played through COVID Awareness chariot.
-  Youths-CRPs  hailing  from  the  same  community  plays  a  crucial  role  in  spreading  awareness message along with ASHA/AWW/Local NGO frontline workers

## D. Action to protect other human rights

-  Distribution of free dry rations at the doorsteps- Dry ration kit containing all food ingredients for a complete day are being  served to the affected PVTG HHs for 14 days.
-  To address malnourishment, dry ration is being supplied to pregnant woman & lactating mother as well as children of 6 months to 3 years during the pandemic time in every 15 days interval.
-  Take Home Ration is also being distributed by Anganwadi Workers with the help of local CRPs for the 3 to 6 years children
-  Monthly cash entitlement & pensions to PVTGs is being ensured through local administration ,
-  Holding of Weekly Haats have been discontinued.
-  Special 24x7 Helpline have been functioning in all the Micro Project Agency offices. Besides, 24x7 Control Room has been opened as Helpdesk for round the clock assistance.
-  CMs relief package for all the PVTG Households @ Rs.5000/- per HH have been announced on 07.07.2021 & are being transmitted to their accounts through DBT mode.

## E. Monitoring the implementation of Advisory

-  Collector  &  District  Magistrate  being  the  Nodal  Officer  of  the  District  in  implementing  the Advisory of the State Government on management of COVID-19 monitors on daily basis. ST & SC Development Department has also prepared and communicated SOP for the PVTGs to all the concerned districts & officials for its strict observance.

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