Govt must deposit Rs 7500 in bank accounts of poor; revive MSME sector

A key Congress panel heed by former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Monday met for first time and discussed significant issues before country such as revival of MSME sector, smooth crop procurement and migrant issues amid nationwide lockdown.

Congress will soon prepare a detailed plan for revival of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) toger with steps to ensure smooth crop procurement and resolving migrants' issues and will put it before central government, senior Congress leer Jairam Ramesh said.

Ramesh, who is a member of party's consultative group on COVID-19 heed by Singh, said Congress has urged government to submit through direct benefit transfers Rs 7500 in all Jan Dhan accounts, all pension accounts and those under PM-Kisan scheme.

Ramesh also said former prime minister and Rahul Gandhi, who also participated in meeting, stressed that priority be given to MSME sector because of its social and ecomic importance as it is one of largest job providers in country.

"We have worked out a very concrete MSME revival pack which we will submit to central government in a day or two," he told reporters at a press conference through video conferencing. Ramesh said both Singh and Gandhi also stressed on need for making positive recommendations to government to ensure smooth crop procurement and resolution of migrants' issues.

"I am sure a compassionate, responsible government can find funds to provide for vulnerable," he said when asked if country h funds of this nature to spare.

Ramesh alleged that Centre was busy "destabilising" Mhya Presh government and was "caught napping in preparation for managing COVID-19" and action was delayed. He said he hoped government would "come down from its pedestal" and constructively accept suggestions put forth by Congress.

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