The Patna High Court has asked the State Government to consider appointing a Nodal Officer to help contain the COVID-19 pandemic accordingly as advised by the NITI Aayog, while stating the role of Civil Society in the form of individuals, CSOs or NGOs, in helping the orphans, elderly persons, and specially challenged persons, cannot be undermined.
A two-judge Bench led by the Chief Justice Sanjay Karol and Justice S. Kumar was hearing a petition seeking directions to the State Government to follow the guidelines issued by the NITI Aayog to allow the civil society to work with the administration of the State and provide assistance to people in form of food and shelter during the current times of a pandemic. While the petitioner Advocate Parul Prasad appeared as petitioner-in-person, Additional Solicitor General Senior SD Sanjay appeared for the Centre and Advocate PN Shahi appeared for the state.
The Court observed that this Country is not unknown to public and private participation of people to overcome natural disasters and adversities. It is important to remember significance of the Directive Principles of State Policy and Fundamental Duties while fighting against a Corona virus pandemic.
The Court has asked the State to consider constituting a Nodal Officer according to the letter issued by NITI Aayog, making the following suggestions:
· The officer who has already been appointed under the Bihar Epidemic Diseases COVID-19 Regulations, 2020 may be authorized as the Nodal Officer.
· Technology can be used for centralized monitoring of the problems faced, the relief provided, and the action taken.
· A website, to be operated at the level of the Government of Bihar can be opened up where any member of the Society wanting to help the Government can register their request and the same can be dealt with promptly by a duly authorized competent and responsible officer.
· The modalities are left open to be determined by the State.
-India Legal Bureau