RS Chairman Dhankhar asks MPs to mask up

New Delhi, Dec 22 (PTI) Rajya Sabha Chairman and Vice President of India Jagdeep Dhankhar on Thursday asked MPs to wear masks and practice social distancing in view of the surging COVID-19 cases in the world, saying the House needs to lead the nation by example.

When the House met for the day, he referred to rising Covid cases in other countries.

“I urge all the members to be extra-cautious about the surging Covid cases in the world,” Dhankhar said. “It is our ardent duty to set an example before our countrymen.”

India, he said, had overcome the challenges of COVID-19 in the past due to coordinated efforts of the administration, doctors, healthcare professionals and the sanitation workers.

Over two billion doses of free Covid vaccines were administered in record time, an unparalleled fleet in the world. Besides, these were digitally recorded and certificates issued, again another unparallel example in the world for its scale, size and speed.

“Currently, the Covid situation is getting alarming. We need to be vigilant and take all precautionary steps, including wearing masks, using sanitisers and maintaining social distancing.

“I urge all of you to wear masks inside the House as well,” Dhankhar said. “Once again I request you that we need to join hands and lead the nation by example.”

Most members on the treasury benches and some in the opposition ranks were seen wearing masks but they continued to sit without any spacing.

After the pandemic first broke out, the MPs’ seating arrangements were changed with some of them being seated in the chamber and others in galleries to allow for social distancing. However, normal sitting resumed in March this year.

Dhankhar came to the House on Thursday wearing a mask. Prime Minister Narendra Modi too was seen wearing one as he occupied his front-row seat during the Question Hour.

This was when questions pertaining to the departments he holds were being answered. Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office Jitendra Singh answered a question on hybrid mode of hearing by information commissions.