Sonia Gandhi makes 5 suggestions to PM Modi in response to his Coronavirus reach-out

A day after PM Modi rallied all parties to fight pandemic Coronavirus (COVID-19), Congress interim chief Sonia Gandhi has responded by writing a letter to PM on Tuesday. In her letter, she has given 5-points suggesting how Centre can tackle ecomic stress and help people amid an attack by deadly Coronavirus. She has also supported  decision taken by Union Cabinet to reduce salaries for Members of Parliament by 30 percent.

• In her 5 pointers, she has said that Centre should impose a complete ban on media advertisements by Government and Public Sectors Undertakings (‘PSU’s).
• Second, she has demanded suspension of  ₹20,000 crores ‘Central Vista’ beautification.
• Third, she has said that 30% salary cut must be used for ecomic safety of migrant workers, labourers, farmers, MSME’s and urganised sector.
• Fourth, she has demanded that all foreign visits including that of President, Prime Minister, Union Ministers, Chief Ministers, State Ministers, and Bureaucrats must be put on hold.
• Fifth, citing transparency issues, she has said that all money under ‘PM Cares’ fund must be transferred to ‘Prime Ministers National Relief Fund’ (‘PM-NRF’).

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PM Modi reached out to all party leaders on Sunday including Sonia Gandhi, Mulayam & Akhilesh Singh Yadav (SP), Naveen Patnaik (BJD), KCR (TRS), M K Stalin (DMK) and Parkash Singh Badal (Akali Dal). Opposition had accused Modi government of t engaging political parties even though PM has interacted with table members of civil society like sportspersons and senior journalists.

READ | PM Modi reaches out to Sonia Gandhi among or Opposition netas amid Coronavirus fight

Here is full letter:

In your call yesterday, you very kindly asked me to convey to you any suggestions our party has to meet grave challenge of Covid-19. It is in this spirit that I write to you.
 
I hope this letter finds you safe and well during se challenging times.
 
I am writing to convey our support for decision taken by Union Cabinet to reduce salaries for Members of Parliament by 30 per cent. Austerity measures which can be used to divert much needed funds to fight against Covid-19 are need of hour. In this spirit, I am writing to offer five concrete suggestions. I am certain you will find value in m.
 
First, Impose a complete ban on media advertisements - television, print and online - by Government and Public Sectors Undertakings (‘PSU’s’) for a period of two years. only exceptions should be advisories for Covid-19 or for issues relating to public health. Given that Central Government currently spend an aver of ₹1250 crores per year on media advertisements (t including an equal or greater amount spent by PSUs and Government companies), this will free up a substantial amount to alleviate ecomic and social impacts of Covid-19.
 
Second, Suspend ₹20,000 crore ‘Central Vista’ beautification and construction project forthwith. At a time like this, such an outlay seems self-indulgent to say least. I am certain that Parliament can function comfortably within existing historical buildings. re is urgent or pressing requirement that cant be postponed until this crisis is contained. This sum could instead be allocated towards constructing new hospital infrastructure and diagstics along with equipping our frontline workers with Personal Protection Equipment (‘PPE’s’) and better facilities.
 
Third, It makes sense to order a proportionate reduction of 30 per cent in expenditure budget (or than Salaries, Pensions and Central Sector Schemes) for Government of India as well. This 30 percent (i.e. ₹2.5 lakh crores per year approximately) can n be allocated towards establishing an ecomic safety net for migrant workers, labourers, farmers, MSME’s and those in urganised sector.  
 
Fourth, All foreign visits including that of President, Prime Minister, Union Ministers, Chief Ministers, State Ministers and Bureaucrats must be put on hold in a similar fashion. Exceptions can be made in case of special emergency or exigencies in national interest to be cleared by PM. This amount (which is around ₹393 crores for just Prime Minister and Union Cabinet’s trips in last five years) can be utilised extensively in measures to combat Covid-19.
 
Fifth, Transfer all money under ‘PM Cares’ fund to ‘Prime Ministers National Relief Fund’ (‘PM-NRF’). This will ensure efficiency, transparency, accountability and audit in manner in which se funds are allocated and spent. It seems like a waste of effort and resources to have and create two separate silos for distribution of funds. I understand that ₹3800 crores approximately are lying unutilised in PM-NRF (at end of FY2019). se funds, plus amount in ‘PM-Cares’, can be utilised to ensure an immediate food security net for those at very margins of society.
 
Every single Indian has made great personal sacrifices to fight this disease. y have complied with every suggestion, instruction and decision taken by your office and Central Government. It is time that Legislature and Executive reciprocate this trust and good faith.
 
Please be assured that you have our unwavering support in meeting grave challenge of Covid- 19 facing country.

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