'Do not resume train, flight services, allow movement of goods'

 Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K.Palaniswami on Saturday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi not to resume train and flight services and also ban inter-state movement of people.

He also urged Modi to sanction an adhoc grant of Rs 1,000 crore from the National Disaster Relief Fund (NDRF) to the state for procurement of medical items used in fighting the spread of Coronavirus.

Palaniswami speaking at the meeting of the Chief Minister called by Modi through video conferencing requested smooth supply of essentials through railways and allow inter-state movement of goods.

He also asked Modi to announce a special package for agricultural sector as food crisis should not hit the nation and also asked for additional funding from the Central government and allotment of essential items to support unorganised sector workers, agricultural labourers and others.

Palaniswami also said their families may be provided Rs 2,000 as assistance.

Detailing the steps taken by the state government in containing the spread of Coronavirus Palaniswami added that rapid test kits are needed and for which he had written to the Union Health Minister to supply 2 lakh test kits.

According to him, 21 Government hospitals and 155 private hospitals have been notified to provide treatment for the infected people.

Reiterating the state's demand of Rs 12,000 crore are Covid-19 relief Palaniswami also said the fiscal deficit limits of 3 per cent of Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) may be increased to 4.5 per cent for financial years 2019-20 and 2020-21.

"Additional borrowing of 33 per cent above the permitted level for fiscal year 2019-20, may be allowed for 2020-21 for combating this pandemic. Fifty per cent of the 2020-21 Finance Commission grants to the Urban and Rural Local bodies can be released now. 50 per cent of the revenue deficit grant can be released now. The GST (Goods and Services Tax) compensation due for December-January, 2019-20, may be released immediately," Palaniswami told Modi.

According to him, the Ways and Means limit of the States which was increased by 30 per cent by Reserve Bank of India (RBI) should be doubled and the advances availed in the fiscal year 2020-21 should be made interest-free. IANS