CPI(M) urges Centre to follow Kerala on coronavirus relief package issue

Kerala's ruling CPI (M) on Thursday urged Central government to "follow" Left-ruled state which has anunced Rs 20,000 crore relief and support pack, free rations for all and food for needy during 21-day lockdown to fight spread of coronavirus.

CPI(M) Kerala State secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan termed as "inadequate" Rs 15,000 crore pack anunced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to deal with disease. "Kerala Govt introduced Rs 20,000 Cr relief & support pack, free rations for all, & food for needy. Central Govt should realise that Rs 15,000 Cr y anunced is inadequate for country such as ours. It is time for Central govt to follow Kerala. #IndiaawaitsCovidaid," Balakrishnan said in a tweet.

Kerala Finance Minister and CPI(M) leader T M Thomas Isaac said ordinary people, workers in urganised and informal sectors, daily w labourers are suffering lock down.

Central government must declare aid for se sections of society, he added. " one in Kerala will go hungry. Food kits to every  household. Community Kitchens in all local govts.Kudumbasree to open at least 1000 this week itself. common dining but you can buy meal parcels at Rs 20 or book for home delivery by phone. For needy and poor free distribution", Isaac said in a tweet.

Tagging Isaac's tweet, CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury said on his Twitter feed: "We appeal to Centre again to follow Kerala model and urgently anunce steps for poor and needy. A malurished person is more likely to fall sick. This must be prevented. Central government must immediately act. #COVID2019 #ToHunger".