New Delhi: In the wake of Coronavirus pandemic, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to extend the nationwide lockdown. On Tuesday, Congress leader Anand Sharma suggested that PM has to be "bold" while making such announcement in the current "extraordinary situation" which requires "extraordinary decisions."
While urging PM Modi to announce a "second" economic package for the extension of lockdown, he said, "This time it should be none less than 5-6 percent of the total GDP of our country."
He added that many countries like UK, France and Germany had declared economic packages that were 15% of their GDP while USA had it at 10%.
"It's been 20 days of lockdown in India. COVID-19 has deeply affected the entire world. This has also collapsed the economy. This crisis has brought many challenges to the already weakened Indian economy. Hence, there is a need to have strategy," said the Congress leader.
Anand Sharma was briefing the media via video conferencing on Monday in which he also cited a report of International Labour organization which stated that 40 crore workers in India will fall below the poverty line after this crisis.
Concerning over the matter, he suggested to the Union Government, "During the extension of lockdown, some economic activities needs to be started in the first phase where there are large number of daily wage workers, along with the revival of MSMEs. There need to be a policy for production of daily use goods. if the goods are not manufactured how will there be daily supplies?"
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He further added, "With this move, the problem of transportation will also have to be resolved, as trucks have been stranded at the border areas. Along with this, the Factoring Fund should be started for MSMEs and they should be offered zero-interest loans."
Congress also demanded that the centre should clear all pending dues to the states to enable them for fighting against novel coronavirus pandemic. Anand Sharma pointed out that Center should not we doing any amount of discrimination and unfairness towards states.
"The government must also allow industry contributions under the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to the Chief Minister relief fund in various States along the same lines as that granted to the PM CARES fund," he asserted.
He also urged that PM CARES fund should be put into the national relief fund, with same laws and regulations, which is audited and the report is made available.
Congress also suggested that the Government should forgo concerns of Fiscal deficit and inflation to offer a generous second economic package to the states that will ensure the Indian economic doesn't collapse.
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As there are a number of Indian Citizens who have been stranded abroad due to the suspension of international flights, in the wake of Coronavirus pandemic, the ministry of external affairs is getting hundreds of phone calls emails and messages on social media platform from people seeking help in flying back as well as for aid in visa renewals.
Replying to the question of ETV Bharat over the matter, Congress leader said, "The government evacuated a large number of Indian citizens from various countries. I am sure those who need to be evacuated our government would take the decision at the appropriate time. Right now, they need assurance. They should be taken into confidence that India will take care of them, they will not be abandoned."
