MillenniumPost
Big Story

Clapping won't help daily wagers, big financial package need of hour: Rahul Gandhi on COVID-19

Stating that the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is mounting a "severe attack on the fragile economy", former Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Saturday called on the central government to announce a huge economic package to help the people tide over the crisis.

"Coronavirus is wreaking havoc on our fragile economy. Small, medium businessmen and daily wage workers are the worst affected. Clapping won't help them. Today, a huge economic package is needed such as cash help, tax breaks and debt repayment. Take quick steps," the Wayanad MP tweeted in Hindi.

The Congress leader's comments came even as the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases swelled to 298, including 22 who have recovered and four deaths.

Gandhi's remarks also come days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi called on people to observe 'Janata Curfew' on Sunday by not stepping out of homes between 7 am and 9 pm. The Prime Minister had also urged people to thank doctors, media and providers of other essential services for five minutes at 5 pm by ringing bells, clapping or other means.

Several state governments have tightened the lockdown to check the spread of the virus after the Union government barred all international commercial passenger flights from landing in India for a week.

On Friday, the United Kingdom government had announced that it would pay 80 per cent of wages for employees not working, up to 2,500 pounds a month.

(Inputs and image from theindianexpress.com)

Next Story
Share it