Manish Sisodia predicts job losses in wake of COVID-19 outbreak, asks GST Council to act

Delhi Finance Minister Manish Sisodia on Saturday asked GST Council to discuss negative impact of vel coronavirus crisis on ecomy. Maintaining that it is t just a health crisis, he expressed fear that it could have dangerous ecomic repercussions for world. Moreover, Sisodia opined that COVID-19 outbreak could lead to job losses and revenue deficit for government. reafter, he called upon GST Council to take steps in advance to prevent an adverse situation.  

Read: India's 2nd Coronavirus Death Reported In Delhi; 68-yr-old Victim's Son Tests Positive Too

GST Council meeting

Earlier in day, 39th GST Council meeting got underway with participation of Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, MoS Finance Anurag Thakur, Finance Ministers of states and Union Territories and or senior officials. meeting is likely to discuss implications of vel coronavirus crisis on revenue collection. Moreover, re is a possibility that GST rates of items such as footwear and mobile phones will be increased. Additionally, it is expected that Council will deliberate about operational glitches on GST Network portal and seek a resolution plan from Infosys.  

Read: ACCESSED: se Are 8 Options Given To IPL Owners For 2020 Tournament Amid Coronavirus

Coronavirus death in Delhi

First detected in Wuhan in December 2019, COVID-19- vel coronavirus has affected nearly 129 countries in world. Presently, re are 1,42,320 confirmed cases of COVID-19 which has led to death of 5,388 people. So far, number of confirmed coronavirus cases in India is 88. 

On Friday, India's second death due to vel coronavirus was reported. victim was a 68-year-old woman from West Delhi, who passed away at Ram Mahar Lohia Hospital. While she was suffering from diabetes and hypertension, she contracted COVID-19 reportedly due to being in contact with her son, who travelled to Switzerland and Italy between February 5 to 22. He too has tested positive for vel coronavirus.

Delhi government has declared COVID-19 as an epidemic. All cinema halls have been ordered to close down till March 31. Also, schools and colleges where exams are t being held will remain shut. 

Read: Nearly 12 Lakh International Passengers Screened For Coronavirus: Civil Aviation Ministry

Read: Virender Sehwag Issues Mess For Those Who tice Coronavirus Symptoms; Appeals To m