NEW DELHI: Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Thursday slammed the Modi government for its response to suggestions made by the Congress on tackling the food security and employment crises triggered by the coronavirus pandemic.
In a meeting of the Congress Working Committee on Thursday morning, Gandhi said the government’s response to the coronavirus outbreak has left the government with “no clear idea” on how to manage the situation even after the lockdown period ends on May 3.
Addressing the CWC, the party’s highest decision-making body, Gandhi said, “Compassion, large-heartedness and alacrity that should be forthcoming from the Central government is conspicuous by its absence.”
She also said that despite Congress’ emphasis, in the repeated letters she had written to Prime Minister Modi, “that there is no alternative to the Testing, Trace and Quarantine programme, the government has failed to act on this suggestion."
Whila addressing the CWC, Gandhi said, “Unfortunately, testing still remains low and testing kits are still in short supply and of poor quality. PPE kits are being provided to our doctors & healthcare workers but the number and quality is poor,”
Discussing the coronavirus and it’s impact on economy, employment, the MSME sector as well as the farmers in the country, the Congress chief anticipated an increase in unemployment and reiterated Congress’ demand for at least Rs 7,500 to be transferred to each family to tide over the crisis, especially because migrant labourers are still stranded, jobless and desperate to return home.
The Congress chief highlighted the need for a special bailout package for the MSME sector and for facilitating the next round of Kharif cropping to the badly-hit farm sector.
Gandhi also condemned the communal turn being given to the pandemic. “Let me also share with you something that should worry each and every one of us Indians. When we should be tackling the corona virus unitedly, BJP continues to spread the virus of communal prejudice and hatred. Grave damage is being done to our social harmony,” she said, while lauding the work of the front line health fraternity and all essential service providers.
Gandhi asserted that the Congress remains committed “to extend our constructive support to the government.”
In a meeting of the Congress Working Committee on Thursday morning, Gandhi said the government’s response to the coronavirus outbreak has left the government with “no clear idea” on how to manage the situation even after the lockdown period ends on May 3.
Addressing the CWC, the party’s highest decision-making body, Gandhi said, “Compassion, large-heartedness and alacrity that should be forthcoming from the Central government is conspicuous by its absence.”
She also said that despite Congress’ emphasis, in the repeated letters she had written to Prime Minister Modi, “that there is no alternative to the Testing, Trace and Quarantine programme, the government has failed to act on this suggestion."
Whila addressing the CWC, Gandhi said, “Unfortunately, testing still remains low and testing kits are still in short supply and of poor quality. PPE kits are being provided to our doctors & healthcare workers but the number and quality is poor,”
Discussing the coronavirus and it’s impact on economy, employment, the MSME sector as well as the farmers in the country, the Congress chief anticipated an increase in unemployment and reiterated Congress’ demand for at least Rs 7,500 to be transferred to each family to tide over the crisis, especially because migrant labourers are still stranded, jobless and desperate to return home.
The Congress chief highlighted the need for a special bailout package for the MSME sector and for facilitating the next round of Kharif cropping to the badly-hit farm sector.
Gandhi also condemned the communal turn being given to the pandemic. “Let me also share with you something that should worry each and every one of us Indians. When we should be tackling the corona virus unitedly, BJP continues to spread the virus of communal prejudice and hatred. Grave damage is being done to our social harmony,” she said, while lauding the work of the front line health fraternity and all essential service providers.
Gandhi asserted that the Congress remains committed “to extend our constructive support to the government.”
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