Government to award schools, hospitals for emergency preparedness

Guwahati: The state government has decided to award schools and hospitals that exhibit resilience and are better prepared to manage any emergency.
"The Resilient Assam Awards are meant to recognise and promote initiatives which strengthen community disaster resilience across the state, make the communities safer, stronger and better prepared to manage any emergency situation," a source said.
The awards will relate to all fields, including school, hospital, community organisations and youth clubs covering areas of engineering intervention, structural and non-structural measures, capacity building and training activities, disaster management planning, mock drills, voluntary initiatives that demonstrate excellence and innovation in projects that are aimed at reducing and addressing hazards.
The awards are sponsored by Assam State Disaster Management and the applicants have to relate to projects and initiatives started between January, 2010 and January 31, 2016. The last date for submitting entries is January, 31 next year.
The source said all government hospitals, medical colleges and private nursing homes with or more than 30 beds can apply in the hospital category. Besides junior colleges, high and higher secondary schools (government and private) can participate in the school category. Colleges and universities are not included this year, the source added.
The winners will be given a certificate and a cheque of Rs 2 lakh. Their initiatives will be projected through local and national media. The awards are expected to be announced in March next year.