Sitaram Yechury writes to PM Modi, asks him to scale up testing of people for COVID-19

Amid  Coronavirus outbreak in country, CPI(M) leer Sitaram Yechury wrote a letter to PM Modi asking him to increase testing of people for vel disease stating that more testing kits needed to be me available urgently. Currently, at least 412 confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been reported from India. Taking preemptive measures, government has declared a lockdown in 75 districts.

"During such lockdowns, it is imperative to scale up testing of people particularly those with declared symptoms. On this basis, specific areas that are vulnerable can be identified and a lockdown can be enforced in such areas," re Sitaram Yechury's letter. 

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'All NIV approved test kits should be deployed'

"All testing kits approved by National Institute of Virology must be utilized. It is strange that Union Health Ministry has issued a circular that only those testing kits approved by US FDA and European EC alone will be used. Reports indicate that re is only one manufacturer in Gujarat who produces such kits.  In view of gravity of situation, this circular must be withdrawn and all kits approved by NIV must be deployed for use, urgently," he ded.

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'Free ration, 80% salaries to government workers' 

Sitaram Yechury also asked for government to transfer Rs. 5,000 to Jan Dhan accounts and BPL beneficiaries who were suffering during lockdown. "Ration kits must be supplied to families of children who used to benefit from mid-day meal scheme.  Free ration through PDS to all BPL/APL families should be given for a month," he said. 

CPI (M) leer also stated that since Finance Bill has been approved by Parliament, Central government must set aside separate funds for "a substantial pack" to help save lives of people.

"Many countries in world have anunced that government will guarantee payment of at least 80 percent of salaries being drawn by workers who are w unable to attend work.  government of India should do likewise.  Alongside re should be a moratorium on bank loans for a year for SMEs and retail trers as well as on EMIs," re his letter. 

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