Mamata Banerjee on Thursday laid stress on ensuring free rations to the economically weaker sections after several restrictions had been put in place to contain the spread of Covid-19 in the state.

“I understand that suspension of local trains would leave daily wage earners in trouble. We have to ensure that free foodgrains reach them... We had to take such measures to contain the spread of the virus,” said the chief minister at a news conference at Nabanna on Thursday.

The Bengal government decided to suspend suburban local trains while allowing road transport and Metro trains to run with half of their capacity. Besides, the state government initiated measures like closure of shopping malls, gyms, sports complexes, swimming pools, restaurants and bars. It has also allowed markets and shops to remain open for five hours a day.

Sources said the chief minister was in principle against any kind of steps that affected the livelihood of common people. “But she is aware that the minimum steps that had to be initiated to arrest the spread of the virus would also affect the livelihood of certain people. That is why she laid stress on proper distribution of free foodgrains to the poor as she does not want to leave them in trouble,” said a senior official.

According to sources, the plight of poor people during the lockdown last year still haunts the chief minister.

“That is why she gave a clear instruction to her officials to ensure proper distribution of foodgrains during the period when restrictions would be in place,” said a source.

Mamata also said all the hospitals, where Covid-19 patients were being treated, had been allowed to increase beds by 40 per cent.

“This will help the private hospitals increase at least 2,000 beds. This effort would also help us have 30,000 Covid beds in the state,” said the chief minister.

Mamata also said 30 percent of the employees at a jute mill would be allowed to work in each shift.

She made it clear the norm for entering Bengal from other states would be applied to central ministers and officials too. “If they cannot produce an RT-PCR negative report, we will conduct tests. If found positive, 14 days’ quarantine is mandatory at their own cost. This will be applied to all, including those coming by special flights or private aircraft,” said the chief minister.

Besides, all third-year postgraduate medical students and nurses would be inducted into the Covid care facilities across the state.

“They will be given additional benefits... This will help us get 3,000 doctors and nurses in this crucial time,” said the chief minister.