Chidambaram suggests '10-point plan' to Centre to help India's poor amid 21-day lockdown

After supporting PM Modi's lockdown amid pandemic Coronavirus spread, Congress MP P Chidambaram, on Wednesday, suggested a 10-point plan to Modi government to aid poor amid 21-day lockdown. Centre has assured that essential supplies will be available and issued detailed guidelines on 21-day lockdown. Currently, 512 positive cases have been confirmed, with nine deaths.

Complete lockdown imposed in India from March 25: Here are guidelines

Here is Chidambaram's 10-point plan, as shared by him on Twitter

• Transfer Rs 12,000 under PM-KISAN  to bank account of each beneficiary.
• Include tenant farmers under PM-KISAN and pay same Rs 12,000 split in two installments
• Transfer Rs 3000 into bank account of each MGNREGA worker
• Transfer a sum of Rs 6000 into bank account of urban poor's Jan Dhan accounts
• Offer to every ration card holder, through ration shops, 10 kg of rice or wheat absolutely free.
• Ask all registered employers  (registered under any law) to maintain current levels of employment and ws
• Register in every ward or block to track  persons who have t received payment under any of categories listed above and transfer Rs 3000 after minimal verification
• Extend deadlines for payment of any kind of tax until 30 June 2020.
• Instruct banks to extend date for any kind of EMI payment until 30 June 2020.
• Cut GST rates by 5 percent on all w goods, essential goods, and services or period 1 April to 30 June 2020.

Punjab CM writes to Amit Shah & Thackeray seeking safe return of 2000 pilgrims in Nanded 

Chidambaram welcomes PM Modi's 21-day pan-India lockdown: 'Opposers must remain silent'

Coronavirus crisis in India

As of date, 512 active cases have been reported of pandemic Coronavirus (COVID-19) with Maharashtra reporting highest at 112. Nine deaths have been reported till date. India has suspended all visas and barred travel from Afghanistan, Philippines, EU, UK, China, Malaysia and mandatory 14-day quarantine from several or countries and Prime Minister has issued a 21-day countrywide lockdown starting from 25 March to April 15, while anuncing a Rs 15,000 crore relief pack.

Coronavirus LIVE Updates: India enters Day 1 of 21-day lockdown; confirmed cases at 519