Punjab CM Amarinder Singh asks PM Modi for directions on lockdown 3.0 'Exit Strategy'

Punjab Chief Minister, Captain Amarinder Singh on Thursday, May 7 urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to clearly define an exit strategy from COVID-19 Lockdown 3.0 and sought his direction in reviving country's ecomy.

In a letter to PM Modi, Punjab CM stated, " Exit Strategy may t only lay down parameters to contain COVID-19 within safe limits but should also define path of ecomic revival. It should consider and focus on fiscal and ecomic empowerment of States."

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Captain Amarinder Singh also requested Central Government to direct 15th Finance Commission to review its report for current year, as situation has changed completely due to pandemic. He also suggested that Finance Commission should recommend devolution of funds for 5 years, beginning April 1, 2021 (instead of 2020), after factoring in impact of COVID-19 pandemic.

Punjab CM urged PM Modi issue directives to various ministries in this regard, so that States can formulate clear strategies for post-Lockdown 3.0 period, which is scheduled to end on May 17. Captain Amarinder Singh stated that step was necessary as lockdowns imposed in wake of deadly infection has impacted country in many ways including losses of job, businesses, and ecomic opportunities.

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Punjab’s revenue declines

Captain Amarinder Singh also pointed out that Punjab’s revenue had declined by 88% in April 2020, owing to ecomic slowdown in country.

" poor have been worst affected with dam to all aspects of ir socio-ecomic living. threat of poverty, hunger, and health deprivation is far more imminent w. If socio-ecomic living of common man is t restored immediately, re could be serious psychological dismemberment of our society. loss of jobs and livelihood has in fact also severely impaired equity and civil liberties in our society," he said.

Meanwhile, Captain Amarinder Singh also assured PM Narendra Modi that Punjab Government would do everything possible to contain deadly virus to save lives of its people.

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(With inputs from ANI; Im credits - PTI)