COVID debate: Centre says 'received Rs 893.93 crores from PM-CARES Fund' in Lok Sabha

Discussing current Coronavirus (COVID-19) scenario in country, Lok Sabha held a debate about various aspects - lockdown, PM-CARES Fund, vaccine trials on Sunday. Kicking off session, Speaker Om Birla thanked House for attending monsoon session in large numbers inspite of pandemic. Earlier in day, Rajya Sabha was disrupted due to massive ruckus created by Opposition MPs over two farm Bills - which was finally passed by voice vote.

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Lok Sabha debates COVID-19 scenario

"COVID19 has become a major challenge for mankind. We are also facing extraordinary circumstances due to COVID. You have given a positive mess to nation, by coming to Parliament in such large numbers even in wake of a threat to health security," said Birla.

Inspite of two-day debate on PM-CARES Fund, Congress MP hir Ranjan Chowdhury raked it again on Sunday asking, " How much fund has been received by Health ministry and State governments from PM-CARES Fund?". In response, Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan said, "My ministry got Rs 893.93 crores from PM-CARES Fund for 50,000 me in India ventilators". He also ded that while 145 vaccine candidates were under pre-clinical evaluation, of which 35 were under clinical trials - 3 of m are in vance trials in India. 

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Meanwhile, Telugu Desam Party (TDP) MPJayev Galla talked about issue of insurance for COVID-19 warriors. He said, " insurance cover for COVID warriors is going to expire by end of this month. As many scientists, epidemiologists & doctors have been saying that virus is going to stay for 1 or 2 years more, I urge that insurance scheme be extended for 1 more year.

On or hand, Shiv Sena MP Arvind Sawant claimed that 'sudden anuncement of lockdown' h seen more crowds on Mumbai ros that 'post-partition era'. Claiming that Centre h erred, he recalled number of migrant workers' deaths - especially Aurangab trdy. Maharashtra h witnessed largest migrant exodus before Centre started 'Shramik trains'.

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India's total COVID-19 cases have risen to 54,00,619 of which 10,10,824 are active while 43,03,043 people have recovered. 86,752 people have died. Unlock 4 has been extended till September 30, as India ramps up testing 12 lakh samples - 6,36,61,060 samples have been tested till date.

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