THIRUVANANTHAPURAM : In the latest in series of acknowledgements for Pinarayi-led govt, a Gujarat Daily quoted Kerala as an outstanding role-model in terms of mitigation efforts against coronavirus. In its lead article titled “India, Let’s Copy Kerala”, the Ahmedabad Mirror, asks rest of India to pattern its measures after Kerala to combat Covid-19.
The article begins with description of Covid pandemic rapidly unfolding worldwide and then shifts its focus on steps taken by Kerala govt right from the beginning and its unique nature of upgrading constantly. The article specially highlights the Rs 20,000 crore package announced by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan comprising free rations, money distribution, intensified screening and medical care etc, to prevent Covid pandemic from overwhelming Kerala’s population.
Rs 20,000 Cr Package CM Announced :
Given the restrictions on people and livelihoods together with rapid spread of Covid countrywide threatening lives in Kerala, the Chief Minister on 19 March, announced a whopping Rs 20,000 crore package to alleviate grim conditions faced by people in the State.
The major portion the package is allotted for family benefits, given that Covid pandemic has thrown wages, salaries and income from businesses out of gear. Beginning May, the package will allot Rs 1000 crore each month for Employment Guarantee Scheme.
Currently, over 50 lakh people in the State avail social welfare pensions. With announcement of package, the govt will grant Rs 1000 per head for non-pensioners too in the BPL category. An amount of Rs 100 crore has been reserved for this purpose.
In a more immediate relief, pensions for April will be paid in March itself and free rations will be distributed without BPL-APL card distinctions. Also, a full meal for just Rs 20 will be made available via outlets that are being set up throughout the State. Though priced Rs 25 earlier, the cost was slashed to Rs 20 considering worsened conditions from onslaught of the virus.
The package allots Rs. 500 crore for health care with special focus to Covid preventive and care. All arrears pending up to now, not withstanding their length, shall be cleared in April. The govt will consider reduction of tax on auto-taxis, said CM. Fitness charge on the vehicles have been already slashed, There would be decrease in Tourism tax too. The army and paramilitary forces have assured assistance to contain the spread of Covid-19, CM added.
