Amit Shah approves release of Rs 11,092 Cr to states to fight COVID-19: MHA

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday approved release of Rs 11,092 crore to states to set up quarantine facilities and take or measures to contain spread of vel coronavirus. Various states have been demanding more Central funds to deal with a surge of COVID-29 infections which has raised pressure on already creaky public health infrastructure. latest pack is released under  first installment of  State Disaster Risk Manment Fund (SDRMF).

move came a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured Chief Ministers that Centre will provide necessary assistance to States to combat epidemic. 

"This Fund was allowed to be utilized for setting up quarantine facilities, sample collection and screening; setting up additional testing laboratories, cost of consumables; purchase of personal protection equipments for healthcare, municipal, police and fire authorities; purchase of rmal scanners, ventilators, air purifiers, and consumables for Government hospitals," an official statement said.

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States can also use this money to provide food and shelter to homeless people including migrant labourers, who are stranded due to lockdown measures. India is in midst of a three-week nationwide lockdown to prevent spread of COVID-19 which has caused major job losses and forced migrant workers to flee big cities and return to ir hometowns.

So far, country has reported 2322 positive cases of COVID-19 and 62 deaths. 162 people have also recovered from disease. Though  surge in number of cases seems alarming, figures are much lesser as compared to or developed nations that have become victims of fast-spreading virus. Countries such as US, Italy, Spain, France, Iran have witnessed death toll in thousands while India's death toll still stands at 53.

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PMGKY disbursal

Earlier in day, MHA said it has written to all States and Union Territories asking m to ensure smooth disbursal of money to beneficiaries of Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana (PM-GKY) during 21-day lockdown period. 

According to an official statement, MHA Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla has written to all States/UTs requesting m to take all necessary measures to ensure that  benefits of scheme reach beneficiaries without any hassle to beneficiary, all this while following social distancing protocols.

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