With lockdown in place, Cong demands implementation of NYAY

With a nationwide lockdown in place in view of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Congress has demanded that the Centre implement 'NYAY', a minimum income guarantee scheme the party had promised in its 2019 poll manifesto.

New Delhi:Congress has demanded Prime Minister Narendra Modi to implement its minimum income guarantee scheme called "Nyay", which the party had promised but could not fulfill it after its defeat in the 2019 general election.

The Congress, in its manifesto, had said that 20 per cent poorest families in the country would get Rs 72,000 annually as part of its Nyunatam Aay Yojana (Nyay).

Taking to Twitter, Congress Chief Spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said, "Dear PM, need of the hour is to implement forth with "Minimum Income Guarantee Scheme"(Nyay) mooted by Rahulji & Congress."

"Pl transfer Rs 7,500 to every Jan Dhan A/C, PM Kisan A/C & every Pension A/C to tide over nutrition needs of 21 days & give free PDS ration." said Randeep.

Read:COVID-19 India tracker: Positive cases rise to 562

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday announced nationwide lockdown for 21 days effective from midnight and allocated Rs 15,000 crore to strengthen healthcare infrastructure to fight coronavirus in India.

How will daily wagers, workers in small businesses survive for 21 days? " remarked Surjewala.

Hailing the lockdown decision, 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."

Read:India under lockdown: MHA issues guidelines to contain COVID-19

"But urge @PMOIndia to immediately announce a relief package for the poor and daily wagers," Amarinder said.

The Congress also raised questions over facilities provided to the healthcare workers.

(With inputs from IANS)