Kolkata: The state government has directed all agencies involved in the supply of essential commodities to work in proper coordination to ensure that no shortfall of the same takes place during the 21-day lockdown. This comes when Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had made it clear that there should be sufficient supply of essential goods in the wake of COVID-19 outbreak. She had also directed that the mechanism of home delivery of essential commodities and food items should not get affected at any cost as a large section of the elderly is dependent on it. Meanwhile, two more persons were found positive taking the total number of persons suffering from the disease in the state to 17. On Friday, five were tested positive and around 13 persons with whom they came in touch were also brought to Beliaghata ID Hospital. Nobel laureate Abhijit Vinayak Banerjee called up the Chief Minister on Saturday afternoon and lauded her steps to fight against the disease. He also informed her about his willingness to join the campaign along with his wife Nobel laureate Esther Duflo. On Saturday, a high-level meeting was held at Nabanna to ensure proper supply of essential commodities. Concerned members of the state governments task force, police, Enforcement Branch (EB), Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) authorities and representatives of all retail chains, app-based grocery and food delivery groups were present. Representatives of wholesale markets in the city, including Posta Bazar and Koley Market also attended the same. The issues related to skyrocketing prices of essential goods and uninterrupted supply of the same in markets was discussed with priority. With all the markets, both in the urban and rural parts of the state remaining operational, the state government has made it clear to representatives of both wholesale markets and retail chains that there should not be an unnecessary increase in prices of essential goods. The EB officers have been directed to keep a close tab on the situation and to take necessary steps if required. The state government officials have also made it clear in the meeting that vehicles carrying essential goods will not face any difficulty in reaching their destinations. Sources said that the wholesale market authorities have raised the issue of shortage in manpower as a large section of daily wage labourers returned to their native places. "It has been decided in the meeting that the market authorities will be contacting the KMC in case of any dearth of manpower," said an official. State Chief Secretary Rajiva Sinha on Saturday also directed all District Magistrates that they must ensure daily meeting of the multidisciplinary task force with members of all departments to ensure proper implementation of complete safety restrictions. They are also directed to contact the nodal officers of respective cells. Concerned officers are also directed to ensure that "shops of essential commodities including pharmacies must remain open during normal hours of operation". The direction was given after reports came up that the same was forced to close before the scheduled time at certain places leading to a heavy gathering. People from all walks of life including MPs, MLAs, Mohun Bagan Club and various other organisations have come forward to donate money to the West Bengal State Emergency Relief Fund, providing the much-needed shot in the arm in state governments efforts to tackle COVID-19.

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