Congress raises questions over relief to poor

Even as the Congress has backed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call for a 21-day complete lockdown to contain the novel coronavirus, it has asked the PM about the relief measures for workers and the poor during the period. It also raised questions over facilities provided to the healthcare workers.

New Delhi:After Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a 21-day complete lockdown to contain the novel coronavirus, the Congress asked the PM about the relief measures.

"How will daily wagers, workers in small businesses survive for 21 days," remarked Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala.

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh tweeted, "I wholeheartedly support @narendramodi ji decision of complete lockdown of the country. This is the only way to fight #Covid19 and save millions of lives. But urge @PMOIndia to immediately announce a relief package for the poor and daily wagers."

The Congress said the nation would adhere to the lockdown, but what the government was doing to contain the pandemic. It also raised questions over facilities provided to the healthcare workers.

The Prime Minister announced an allocation of Rs 15,000 crore to strengthen healthcare infrastructure to fight coronavirus.

Addressing the nation on Tuesday, Modi said "Today the Centre has decided to give Rs 15,000 crore for testing facilities, personal protection, isolation beds, ICU beds, ventilators and for the training of medical and paramedical staff. Healthcare should be the only priority of every state government."

(IANS)