Rajya Sabha passes GNCTD Bill amid uproar

The COVID-19 situation in West Bengal's 19 districts is reported to be "quite grim" as there is a steady rise in infections, according to an internal survey conducted by the state's health department.

By Zee Media Bureau | Last Updated: Wednesday, March 24, 2021 - 22:13
Credit: Twitter / ANI

New Delhi: Rajya Sabha on Wednesday (March 24, 2021) passed the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2021. The GNCTD bill was passed amid the uproar by the opposition leaders.

Congress' Mallikarjun Kharge had demanded that the  Bill be sent to select committee. AAP MP Sanjay Singh also strongly opposed the Bill.

The COVID-19 situation in West Bengal's 19 districts is reported to be "quite grim" as there is a steady rise in infections, according to an internal survey conducted by the state's health department.

"The infection rate has increased from 1.35 per cent to 1.78 per cent between March 15 and March 21. There are 19 districts on the list marked as red," a source was quoted as saying by PTI. The state reported 404 fresh cases of COVID-19 on Tuesday, pushing the tally to 5,81,403.

Just days ahead of the first phase of elections on March 27, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed rallies in poll-bound state of Assam. While West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee addressed poll rallies in Bankura and Bishnupur.

In other news, Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Narottam Mishra cited the growing number of coronavirus cases as a problem and announced that Sunday lockdown may be imposed in two or three cities. 

“If cases increase at this pace, then we would soon return to the situation that prevailed earlier. With folded hands, I urge people to follow all guidelines. The government is mulling imposing lockdown on Sundays in 2-3 cities,” he said. Around 300-400 cases are being reported from Indore and Bhopal daily.

Meanwhile, the government on Tuesday decided to open up vaccination against coronavirus for everybody above 45 years of age from April 1. Union Minister Prakash Javadekar said all those who are eligible should immediately register and get vaccinated. The beneficiaries will have complete freedom to decide/choose the date of second dose within the extended interval of four to eight weeks according to their convenience.

Thank you for tuning to Zee News for latest news on COVID-19 and poll updates: 

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