Uttar Pradesh becomes the 1st state with a software-based in-house facility of virtual courts

On April 23, 2020, Uttar Pradesh (UP) becomes the 1st state with a software-based in-house facility of virtual courts, where a requisite infrastructure in Allahabad High Court and all district courts of Uttar Pradesh to hear cases through video conferencing as there is lockdown due to COVID-19 pandemic outbreak.Key Points

i.The courts can conduct multiple court proceedings through virtual courts within the court premises without any internet connection.

ii.The facility is completely secure, the connectivity is flawless & only existing infrastructure was used and no additional costs were incurred to provide the facilities.

Other Initiatives by UP to help people during lockdown
i.It has launched 2 portals for the convenience of food needs for the people of the State namely;

• Annapurna portal– help people get the knowledge of food products and packets
• Supply Mitra portal– to provide free home delivery of edibles

ii.It transferred Rs 1,000 each to the bank accounts of 4,81,755 daily wagers, including street vendors and rickshaw pullers, as “maintenance allowance” 

iii.The senior officials were asked to ensure door-to-door delivery of essential commodities to people to help them stay indoors.

iv.Announced commencement of telephonic consultation facility by which people can call on with a toll-free number 18001805145 & consult with the doctors who have retired from the army and the government.

v.Have constituted 2 committees namely;

• One committee- to ensure that social distancing is followed in construction-related work and other activities, including on the expressway, it is headed by Deputy Chief Minister (CM) Keshav Prasad Maurya.
• Another committee- to take care of the syllabus for online education in the state, headed by Deputy CM Dinesh Sharma.

vi.Life insurance worth Rs 50 lakh is provided to health workers, police personnel and home guards

vii.In the first phase of the curfew, more than 3.54 crore families have been given free rations

viii.The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has approved to start pool testing of COVID-19 samples & becomes the 1st state to do so.

About UP:
Capital– Lucknow
Chief Minister– Yogi Adityanath
Governor– Anandiben Patel.