CPI-M MP asks airlines, rail not to levy cancellation charges

A Rajya Sabha MP on Monday asked government to instruct airlines and Indian Railways t to levy cancellation charges on tickets as people alter travel plans due to spre of coronavirus.

During Zero Hour, several MPs also suggested people should follow simple preventive measures like washing of hands to check spre of virus.

AIMK MP S SR Balasubramaniam also suggested that ongoing Budget session of Parliament could be curtailed.

Raising issue in Upper House, Elamaram Kareem (CPI-M) said several states have closed educational institutions and or places to check spre of coronavirus.

Besides, public garings have been cancelled. He said a large number of people have changed ir travel plans and forced to cancel ir air and train tickets. CPI-M member urged government to intervene and ask airlines and Indian railways to forgo cancellation charges.

As several or members agreed with Kareem, Chairman M Venkaiah Niu said it was a suggestion worth considering. TMC MP Derek O'Brien said simple steps like washing hands for 20 seconds, staying inside and covering face while sneezing should be followed.

Sasmit Patra of BJD suggested banks should properly sanitise ATMs as y are used by a large number of people. BJP's Vikas Mahatme said rumours like one should t eat chicken, needs to be dispelled by government and its ncies.

Meanwhile, Saroj Pandey (BJP) me a case for holding states and centre election simultaneously to reduce expenditure.

D Kupendra Reddy (JD-S) highlighted high number of cases pending in courts of Karnataka, and said all vacancies of judges/judicial officers should be filled to dress issue.

Maj Kumar Jha of RJD suggested ws under job guarantee scheme MNREGA should be increased to Rs 600 per day in line with 7th Central Pay Commission.

Representative Im