In a major shot in the arm for fight against deadly novel coronavirus, Madhya Pradesh government has decided to transfer Rs 700 crore earmarked for the IIFA (International Indian Film Academy Awards-2020) ceremonies to the Chief Minister's Relief Fund on COVID-19 assistance, reports Times of India.

Announcing the measure, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that the sum would help large number of people affected from novel coronavirus.

The information was given by CM Chouhan during a video conference held to review the preparation on Covid-19 crisis. He said, "The IIFA event was planned as a big event in the state, however, in the present situation the amount to be spent on the mega ceremony will be transferred to the CM’s relief fund for COVID-19 assistance."

It should be noted that the previous Kamal Nath government had planned to organise IIFA ceremonies in the state. The government had previously earmarked around Rs 700 crore for the event stating that the event would project the state to far corners of the world.

The event was to be held in the last week of March, but the event was postponed due to the Corona outbreak.

Additionally, during the review meeting, the Chief Minister directed that the hotspot areas affected by coronavirus in the state should be completely sealed.

He further informed that 18 districts have been affected by coronavirus. Ujjain, Indore, and Bhopal districts have already been sealed and the remaining 15 districts will also be locked down and sealed. Supplies of essential commodities, medicines, milk etc. in hotspot areas will be done through the district authorities.

Travelling in these areas will be completely restricted. The Chief Minister also directed that it should be ensured that the supply chain is not affected anywhere.