Now, Maharashtra to hold 'Covid-free Village' competition to combat virus

Mumbai, June 2 After five small villages in the state independently attained Covid-free status in May, the Maharashtra government has now come up with a unique proposal to inspire more such rural settlements to "chase away the virus".

Rural Development Minister Hasan Mushrif on Wednesday announced a Covid-Free Village Competition with fat cash prizes to be implemented across the state soon.

"If the villages become free from the coronavirus, then the talukas, districts, regions, and the entire state will be rid of the scourge as soon as possible, with the participation of the common people," he said.

The competition comes close on the heels of Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray last week lavishing praises on villages that had virtually "barred the gates" on the coronavirus by taking strict initiatives at the local level and setting a national example.

The villages include: Hivare Bazaar where the initiative was inspired by Padma Shri awardee Popatrao Pawar, and Bhoyare Khurd