Congress for mass testing, financial aid to fight Covid-19

New Delhi:Congress leader Rahul Gandhi who raised the alarm over Covid-19 in February here on Wednesday suggested a dual strategy to tackle the pandemic and its impact.

"The question is how can we minimise casualties in this war. I believe our strategy should have 2 components. The govt should give financial support to prevent massive job losses & reassure business owners," Rahul Gandhi tweeted.

For tackling Covid-19, the Congress leader said, "Isolate the virus and block its escape routes. Massively expand testing facilities to identify and treat those who are infected. Create massive emergency field hospitals, particularly in urban areas with full ICU capability to provide care to patients."

The Congress leader said the daily wagers must be extended immediate help through direct cash transfers into their accounts and free rations. "Delaying this will cause widespread devastation & chaos," he tweeted.

On the economic impact of the Covid-19, he said many industries were struggling and they should be helped by announcing tax breaks and financial support to prevent massive job losses. The government must reassure business owners of all support to tide over the crisis, he added.

The Congress urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to implement the minimum income guarantee scheme (Nyunatam Aay Yojana - Nyay), which the party had promised in its 2019 poll manifesto. The Congress had said under the Nyay, 20 per cent of the poorest families would be given Rs 72,000 a year.

"Dear PM, need of the hour is to implement forthwith Minimum Income Guarantee Scheme (Nyay), mooted by Rahulji & Congress," tweeted Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala.

"Pl transfer Rs 7,500 to every Jan Dhan A/C, PM Kisan A/C & every Pension A/C to tide over nutrition needs of 21 days & give free PDS ration," he tweeted.