Punjab CM asks PM Modi for Exit Strategy from Lockdown 3.0
Reiterating his demand for revenue grants to the states for 3 months to meet the shortfall in revenues and the higher expenditure being incurred on relief and healthcare for coronavirus containment, Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Thursday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to clearly define the way forward for the country’s economic revival and an exit strategy from Lockdown 3.0.
In a letter to the Prime Minister, the Chief Minister said that “the Exit Strategy may not only lay down the parameters to contain the COVID-19 within safe limits but should also define the path of economic revival. It should consider and focus on fiscal and economic empowerment of the States.”
The Chief Minister also called for a directive from the Centre to the 15th Finance Commission to review its report for the current year, as the situation had completely changed due to coronavirus outbreak. He also said that the 15th Finance Commission should recommend devolution of funds for 5 years, beginning 1.4.2021 (instead of 2020), after factoring in the impact of COVID-19.
Captain Amarinder Singh also urged the Prime Minister to issue necessary directions to various ministries in an order to enable the States to formulate clear strategies and path, post-Lockdown 3.0 on May 17. The Chief Minister pointed out that this was necessary as coronavirus and the subsequent lockdowns had led to unprecedented losses of jobs, businesses, and economic opportunities, and its true impact was yet to be known.
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“The poor have been the worst affected with damage to all aspects of their socio-economic living. The threat of poverty, hunger, and health deprivation is far more imminent now. If the socio-economic living of the common man is not restored immediately, there could be serious psychological dismemberment of our society. The loss of jobs and livelihood has in fact also severely impaired equity and civil liberties in our society,” he said.
-PTC News
