Centre's Rs 20 lakh crore package is bogus: CPI-ML New Democracy leader Akula Papaiah

Nizamabad: CPI-ML New Democracy leader Akula Papaiah criticised the Rs 20 lakh crore package announced by the Central government as of no use for the common man.

CPI-ML New Democracy and All India Kisan Mazdoor Sabha (AIKMS) members staged a dharna in Nizamabad and Kamareddy districts on Friday.

They raised anti-government slogans, protesting the anti-people policies of Modi-led BJP government, during the present coronavirus pandemic.

CPI-ML New Democracy leaders staged a dharna in front of Nizamabad Collector's office and submitted a petition to the Joint Collector.

Akula Papaiah said that the Rs 20 lakh crore package announced by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Prime Minister Narendra Modi is no good for the common man and they are just for the benefit of corporations.

He said that lakhs of people have lost their jobs during the lockdown and facing severe problems in supporting their families. He demanded the Central government to implement the package in such a way that would help the general public.

Papaiah demanded that the Centre must give Covid-19 special economic package for six months to all migrant workers, unorganised laborers, agricultural laborers, farmers, self-employed, artisans, micro and small-scale workers and rural laborers.

Also, he demanded 15 kg rice, one kg nuts and cooking oil per month should be given free to all ration card holders and migrant workers also.

His other demands include cancellation of crop loans and new interest-free loans to be given to farmers; and free distribution of seeds and fertilisers to farmers for Kharif cultivation.

The New Democracy leaders also asked to ensure 100 days work for all NREGA workers, minimum wage per day should be increased to Rs 300, immediate payment of dues of subsidies to micro, small and medium enterprises, waiving of interest on loans, electricity dues, educational loans given to students.

He demanded withdrawal of privatisation of electricity and coal mines, and 5% budgetary allocation for the prevention of universal medical ailments and free medicine for the people.