UP govt announces Rs 1,000 aid for daily wagers amid Coronavirus outbreak

In the wake of spurt in cases of coronavirus across the country, the Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath announced a monetary help of Rs 1,000 to around 20 lakh daily wage labourers the state. He also said that pensioners in the state will get the pension in advance.

Lucknow:Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday announced a monetary help of Rs 1,000 to around 20 lakh daily wage labourers the state. The announcement came as India races to contain the spread coronavirus disease.

Addressing the media, the chief minister said, "In the wake of the current situation, we have decided to give Rs 1,000 to six lakhs daily wage labourers who are registered with the labour department. About 15 lakh labourers who are not registered will also be given the same monetary relief."

Stressing on the urgency for stringent measures, Adityanath said that outbreak can be stopped only with collective efforts.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation and urged people to avoid gatherings. Coronavirus is in its second stage in our country and if we get successful in stopping it here, it will be a message for the whole world. This spread can be stopped only by stringent measures. Isolation wards have been made across UP and infected people are recovering. The government has taken this measure to minimise the effect of the virus in the state."

He also urged people not to panic, saying, "We have an ample supply of food and medicines. Our only motive is to bring the level of infection down to zero. People should not hoard supplies and avoid unnecessary purchases. The government will not let the shortage of anything happen in the state and pensioners in the state will get the pension in advance during this period."

Adityanath also urged people to follow the guidelines issued by the government and implement 'Janta Curfew’ on March 22.

It is to be noted that the total COVID-19 cases in Uttar Pradesh reached 23 on Saturday.