Punjab CM Amarinder lists requests for FM Sitharaman; seeks release of GST arrears

Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh requested Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to release GST arrears worth Rs 2,088 crore towards state and defer payments on Industrial and Agricultural loans so as to assist concerned people to soften impact of coronavirus.

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Singh and Sitharaman hold phone conversation

two leers h a telephone conversation on Saturday evening and in a series of tweets, former listed requirements of state government. CM Singh asked for opening of all banks, waiving interest for farmer loans from commercial banks, health insurance for sanitary workers and police, proposed a payment of 15 days unemployment allowance per month for three months to mitigate rural distress on account of lockdown and suggested allowing 10-day ws under MGNREGS to small and marginal farmers. 

On Saturday, Sitharaman directed Chairman and Managing Directors (CMDs) of all public sector banks to maintain sufficient funds in branch, ATM and at banking correspondent level keeping amid 21-day nationwide lockdown. Besides making one-to-one calls to all CMDs of public sector banks, Sitharaman also called up representatives of private sector banks and requested m to ensure uninterrupted banking services across country while maintaining social distancing rms.

Sitharaman has contributed Rs 1 crore from her MPL fund for India's fight against COVID-19. This comes after BJP President JP Nda directed all MPs of  party to donate Rs 1 crore from ir MPL funds to Central government relief fund to fight coronavirus outbreak in country.  

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Tuesday, anunced that country will be in a lockdown for three weeks effective midnight. In an dress to country PM Modi stated that in order to break contact chain and stop transmission of Coronavirus, it is important to stay at home and t venture out. Highlighting dangers of venturing out, PM Modi warned citizens that families will be devastated forever if necessary precautions are t taken. He mitted that country will be facing severe ecomic setbacks, but lockdown is absolutely necessary.

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India has reported at least 1000 cases of coronavirus with 19 people losing ir lives. 

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