West Bengal

New Delhi, May 12 (PTI) A Central Industrial Security Force personnel posted in Kolkata has succumbed to coronavirus, taking the virus death toll in the force to three, officials said on Tuesday.

This is the sixth death in the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) or paramilitary forces, under the command of the Union home ministry, due to COVID-19 with two casualties in the Border Security Force and one in the Central Reserve Police Force.

Kolkata, May 6 (PTI) The Trinamool Congress on Wednesday blamed the Centre's "lack of farsightedness" for the migrant labourer crisis in the country and asked why the PM CARES fund is not being used to finance their journey home.

The party also said it is condemnable that migrant labourers who have been "starving" for over 40 days are being made to pay for their tickets, as is being alleged.

New Delhi, May 5 (PTI) The death toll due to COVID-19 rose to 1,568 and the number of cases climbed to 46,433 in the country on Tuesday, the Union Health Ministry said.

The number of active cases stood at 32,138, while 12,726 people have recovered and one patient has migrated, it said.

The total number of cases also includes 111 foreign nationals

Kolkata, May 3 (PTI) Hailing the role of press in a democracy, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Sunday urged media persons to work fearlessly.

Taking to Twitter, on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, the CM said she respected journalists for their contribution to the society.

Kolkata, May 1 (PTI) West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday said the ongoing lockdown to combat the COVID-19 pandemic has badly hit the working class.

She greeted all workers and their families on "international workers day" and said that all "have to stand shoulder to shoulder with our brothers and sisters" during these tough times.

Kolkata, Apr 27 (PTI) West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday alleged that the Centre was making contradictory statements on enforcement of the lockdown, and wanted greater clarity on the recent union home ministry order on reopening shops.

Claiming that many states were not allowed to speak during prime minister Narendra Modi's video conference with chief ministers owing to the rotation system, Banerjee said given a chance she would have raised several questions, including the need to send central teams to Bengal.

Kolkata, Apr 26 (PTI) A senior government doctor involved in the fight against COVID-19 and a 34-year-old man, both diagnosed with the disease, died at a hospital here on Sunday, sources at the facility said.

The 60-year-old doctor, posted as assistant director health services (equipment and stores), was initially admitted to Beliaghata Infectious Diseases hospital and later shifted to a private hospital in Salt Lake on April 18, where he succumbed to the disease.

Kolkata, Apr 20 (PTI) Five jute mills in West Bengal got the approval of the state government to resume operations amid a huge pending order for packaging materials.

The industry was disappointed with a handful of mills getting approval to operate despite repeated interventions from the Centre which fears that prolonged closure may lead to a shortage of packaging materials, especially foodgrains.

The units have received permission to operate only with 50 workers, according to a mill owner.

Kolkata, Apr 17 (PTI) Petrol pumps across West Bengal have decided not to sell fuel to those visiting without a mask, an official of the dealers' association said on Friday.

To create awareness about the measures to contain the spread of coronavirus, it has been decided not to sell petrol or diesel to those drivers and bike owners who are not wearing masks, said S Koley, general secretary of the West Bengal Petroleum Dealers Association.

Kolkata, Apr 11 (PTI) West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday declared extension of the lockdown till April 30, soon after a video-conference Prime Minister Narendra Modi had with CMs of different states where a broad consensus emerged about expanding the duration of the shutdown amid spurting COVID-19 cases.

Banerjee said the prime minister noted that the next two weeks were going to be "crucial and critical" in the fight against COVID-19.