Nirmala Sitharaman directs banks to maintain liquidity amid coronavirus pandemic

As country grapples with coronavirus pandemic that has brought global ecomy to a standstill, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday, March 28, directed Chairman and Managing Directors (CMDs) of all public sector banks to maintain sufficient funds in branch, ATM and at banking correspondent level keeping amid 21-day nationwide lockdown. 

Besides making one-to-one calls to all CMDs of public sector banks, Sitharaman also called up representatives of private sector banks and requested m to ensure uninterrupted banking services across country while maintaining social distancing rms.

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BJP MPs to donate Rs 1 Cr each for COVID-19 fight

Sitharaman also contributed Rs 1 crore from her MPLAD fund for India's fight against COVID-19. This comes after BJP President JP Nadda directed all MPs of  party to donate Rs 1 crore from ir MPLAD funds to Central government relief fund to fight coronavirus outbreak in country.  

"All MPs of BJP will release Rs 1 crore from ir MPLADS (Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme) fund to Central Relief Fund in support to fight against coronavirus," said BJP national president. 

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Humble Contributions to Fight Coronavirus

Nadda's anuncement came after PM Narendra Modi launched  Prime Minister’s Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations Fund (PM CARES Fund), where citizens can contribute to aide government efforts in supporting those affected by disasters - like COVID-19.

So far, actor Akshay Kumar has pledged to donated Rs 25 crore, while several or actors and sports stars have come forward to support cause and contributed in ir individual capacity. Sachin Tendulkar made a donation of 50 lakh while Suresh Raina contributed Rs 52 lakh. Film actor Varun Dhawan contributed Rs 30 lakh.  IAS association and IPS association have contributed Rs 21 lakh each.

Tata Trusts has anunced a massive donation of Rs 500 crore for providing personal protective equipment (PPE) for medical personnel, respiratory systems, testing kits, modular treatment facilities and training health workers.

Soon after, Tata Sons anunced an additional Rs 1000 crore to fight ongoing crisis. India has witnessed a swell in coronavirus cases as number of infected individuals surged to 909 with 19 deaths as on Saturday, March 28, while 79 cases have recovered and been discharged according to Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

(Im source - PTI)

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