On April 14 at 10 AM, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended India’s Lockdown for a further 19 days, adding it to the previous 21 days, till May 3. Even though the people of the country have largely followed the Prime Minister’s clarion call by mostly staying indoors, the constant fear of COVID-19 is affecting our day to day life. At this crucial juncture, MyGov Assam, the Assam instance of Government of India’s citizen engagement portal MyGov India, has played a crucial rule to support the people in various ways. With its online awareness campaigns, activities and work at the grassroots, MyGov Assam is not only keeping people active but also reaching out to the financially weaker section and those adversely effected by the Lockdown. Sayantani Deb reports:
Lockdown, which many of us have never heard of in our lifetime, has made our lives quite different with no one being able to move out freely or socialise. However, we all feel that staying indoors, maintaining social distancing and hygiene are the few ways to control the spread of deadly Coronavirus. Going by its name ‘Janatar Sarkar’, Mygov Assam has always been effective in addressing citizens’ issues with the help of authorities concerned or through direct intervention. In this trying time, the platform is leaving no stone unturned to help the people in distress.
Indeed a Friend in Need
From sharing important information, guidelines and suggestions on how to cope with anxiety and mental breakdown during Lockdown period, conducting online quiz or other activities, MyGov Assam is going every extent to keep the people engaged and active.
“In the month of April, we have organised an online quiz competition in collaboration with National Health Mission and online drawing competition for citizens, just to keep them busy during the pandemic,” a MyGov Assam official informed, “Hundreds from all across the state have participated in these competitions.”
Mental Health – MyGov Assam is actually one of those platforms of the country which has given priority to mental health issues during Lockdown. Through blogs or graphics, it has urged people to take care of mental health. Suggestions to cope up with depression, anxiety, panic attacks, fear etc., have put forward by the platform.
Stigma – Creating awareness on discrimination faced by frontline workers and COVID patients, the platform has also played a significant role in removing the stigma.
MyGov Assam on Ground
On March 24, when PM Narendra Modi announced the 21 days nation wide Lockdown, there was a sigh of relief among many Indians. However, at the same time, there was constant fear among the daily-wage earners. To allay this fear, MyGov Assam reached out to the needy and has since carried out distribution of food items and essential commodities from March 28. With the help of district administrations, MyGov Assam has initiated home delivery of masks, sanitisers and food items and other essential commodities in various parts of the state. Keeping in view the motto of Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal that “No one should go hungry or face any dearth of essential commodities”, MyGov Assam has also started distributing food and essentials to many impoverised rural households of the state.
“As our name goes, MyGov Assam is a citizen friendly platform, where people from all across the state and even outside come up with various suggestions and feedback in public interest,” said an official of MyGov Assam. Started in the year 2016, this platform has addressed the problems of the people and mulled to bridge the gap between sections and communities. “Initially, we decided to tie up with district administrations to distribute the food and essential commodities. However, this time a number of NGOs, private establishments and even individuals came forward to support the cause, making the job easier and participatory,” added the official.
Thousands of households in Barpeta, Dibrugarh, Lakhimpur, Tinsukia, Morigaon, Jorhat, Golaghat districts have been benefitted from the initiative. Besides distributing essential commodities MyGovAssam, has organised awareness programmes in various parts of the state.
Conclusion
Also acting as #CoronaWarriors, MyGov Assam has tried its best to ensure a smooth Lockdown for the people. Its online and offline activities have been widely accepted and followed by the people of the Assam and even outside. MyGov Assam’s works truly reflect as to how a digital platform can help government and citizen interact for the larger interest of the society.
