CMs requested PM to permit liquor shops to open in bid to boost state revenue: MoS Home

Union Minister of State (MoS) for Home G. Kishan Reddy on Wednesday stated that Centre permitted re-opening of liquor shops after Chief Ministers of several states requested Prime Minister for it. Reddy detailed that during video-conference meeting between Prime Minister and Chief Ministers of all states, CMs sought re-opening of liquor shops to boost state revenue which h taken a hit due to lockdown. He ded that CMs told PM Modi that ir states do t have money to pay salaries to government employees as well. 

RE | Coronavirus Live Updates: Total Cases Soar To 49391; 125 Deaths Reported In Last 24 Hours

re-opening of liquor shops has severely impacted law and order situation across country. Scenes of crowds garing, huge queues outside shops without any social distancing have been witnessed across country after sale of liquor re-started. However, certain states like Kerala have refrained from permitting shops to re-open. Mumbai Municipal Corporation also withdrew its order allowing liquor shops to open after crowding of people was witnessed. 

RE | India Bans Export Of Alcohol-based Hand Sanitizers Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

Rs 2,50,000 crore spent so far

Furrmore, Reddy also claimed that many US companies with an operating base in China are w looking towards India, post-COVID-19. During a webinar organized by Federation of Telangana Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FTCCI) on 'Understanding MHA guidelines,' Reddy said central government was taking all measures to control coronavirus and at same time opening up ecomic activities in orange and green zones. He claimed that so far Rs 2,50,000 crore was spent in fighting COVID at central and state levels. 

RE | Amid Lockdown, Union Minister Nitin Gkari Hints At Resumption Of Public Transport

MoS highlighted that country h one testing lab in Pune back in March but has testing labs across country. He also detailed that 251,523 isolated dedicated beds for COVID patients have been me rey along with 27,000 ICU beds, ding that government has placed orders for 60,884 ventilators, of which we have alrey got 19,000. 

RE | Delhi Government Issues Guidelines For Handling Of Passengers Under Vande Bharat Mission

(with inputs from ncies)