GoM discusses ways to mitigate hardships

KV Prasad

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, April 18

With two days to go for the first experimental partial lifting of the lockdown, a Group of Ministers (GoM) on Saturday reviewed the preparation to allow partial economic activity in non-hotspot zones.

The GoM, headed by Defence Minister Rajanth Singh, appreciated the decision to gradually allow re-open some economic activity in areas which have not reported any Covid cases, sources privy to the discussion said.

The review came on the day when the Centre said at least 22 districts in the country had not reported any Covid case for the past 14 days.

In a tweet, the Defence Minister said the GoM discussed ways to mitigate the hardships faced by the people and the role ministries can play in providing relief to them.

According to a study published earlier this week, India is estimated to lose Rs 35,000 crore per day for a cumulative loss of Rs 7.5 lakh crore during the 21-day lockdown affecting some 70 per cent of economic activity.

Among the sectors to be allowed to re-open include construction, IT and IT-enabled services, industries in rural areas, agricultural operations and work under MNREGA aimed at providing relief to the low-wage and daily wage earners, who are among the hardest hit due to the lockdown in place since March 25.

The Centre, according to data has disbursed Rs. 31,000 crore to over 33.25 crore beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana to provide relief to the economically weaker sections of population.

The GoM also examined suggestions to enlist services of retired doctors, health professionals and medical students in the final year of their graduation. It also reiterated its appeal to people to observe social distancing norm and refrain from participating in mass prayers or religious congregations.