‘Farmers in some districts of the State could not avail of a loan waiver announced by Maharashtra Govt in view of elections. The Centre must issue instructions through the RBI to ensure that farmers who could not get a loan waiver can get crop loans. This will benefit around 10 lakh farmers’
Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray put forth the following points in today’s video conference with the Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendramodi ji;
Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has demanded to the Central Government to re-start Mumbai suburban trains only for employees engaged in providing essential services. They can be allowed to travel after displaying their identity cards.
He also stated that the Prime Minister should give clear directives about the lockdown and the State will comply.
Migrant labours from other States want to go home and people from Maharashtra who are stranded in other States are coming back. They travel through various zones and hence every State should take necessary precautions to ensure there is no transmission of Corona in the country.
He also added, that the Maharashtra Government has provided food, shelter & medical assistance to 5.5 lakh migrant labour. They are being sent back home after coordinating with other States.
Some reports say that the cases will peak in May, while others predict this may occur in June or July. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has also issued alerts.
He also mentioned reports about recurrence of the disease in Wuhan. Hence, any decision about the lockdown must be taken cautiously.
A loan waiver scheme for the Farmers was launched in Maharashtra before the Corona pandemic. But, farmers in some districts, specially in Vidarbha, could not get the benefit of this loan write-off because of the elections. The Kharif season has started.
The Centre must issue instructions through the RBI to ensure that farmers who could not get a loan waiver can get crop loans. This will benefit around 10 lakh farmers.
The lockdown has hit Maharashtra’s finances by ₹35,000 crore. The State needs to get its full share of devolution of Central taxes and GST refund at the earliest to secure a relief in these trying times and to tide over this crisis.
Attention is being focused on containment zones, where the lockdown is being implemented more strictly. The number of tests have increased exponentially.
Isolation and treatment facilities have also been created at Nehru Science Centre, Racecourse grounds, Bandra Kurla Complex, Goregaon Exhibition Centre etc.
He also stated that the companies which are taking an initiative to develop Corona vaccine must be encouraged. GST and customs duty levied on medical equipment must be waived off.
He informed that while the lockdown was being relaxed to some extent, the State has started trade and industrial activities in areas designated as green zones.
CM Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray suggested that a task force of expert doctors like those in Mumbai and Pune must be formed at national level and they must communicate with the State Task Force through video conferencing.
Central teams have visited Mumbai and Pune and made valuable suggestions. The State will give them full support.
Doctors, medical staff, and police are working round-the-clock, and need a respite. The police, who are maintaining law and order, need to take rest as they are falling sick due to long hours of work.
If required, the Central Government must make its manpower available to reduce the burden on the police.
Making available hospitals and ICU beds in Central Government establishments like the Army and Mumbai Port Trusts etc will aid the battle against the Corona virus. Pic Credit: CMO Maharashtra
