Congress President Sonia Gandhi wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday, supporting the government’s decision to cut the salary of members of Parliament (MPs) by 30%, adding five suggestions to fight coronovirus disease (Kovid-19) Listed .
His suggestions include suspending the Rs 20,000-crore Central Vista beautification and construction project and transferring all funds under the PM-CARS Fund — established last month to fight the epidemic — the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund ( PM-NRF)).
Gandhi’s letter came in response to Sunday’s call from the Prime Minister, seeking suggestions in the wake of a fast-spreading infection caused by the Saras-COV-2 virus.
“I am writing to give my support for the decision taken by the Union Cabinet for 30% reduction in the salary of MPs.
The austerity measures that can be used to divert the money required for the fight against Kovid-19 is the need of the hour. In this spirit, I am writing to give five concrete suggestions. I am sure you will find value in them, ”she said.
Gandhi called for a complete ban on media advertisements — a complete ban on issues related to the public, with the exception of Kovid-19, for a period of two years by the government and public sector undertakings (PSUs) – – Television, print and online. Health.
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“Given that the central government currently spends an average of Rs 1,250 crore per year on media advertisements (does not include the same or greater amount spent by public sector undertakings and government companies), it will reduce the economic and social impacts A sufficient amount will be freed. Kovid-19, “he said.
The Congress chief also demanded immediate suspension of the Central Vista project. “In times like these, such outlay takes self-indulgence to say the least. I am sure that Parliament can function comfortably within existing historic buildings.
There is no need or pressure that cannot be postponed until this crisis is contained. Instead personal safety equipment (PPE) and equipping our border workers with better facilities can be allocated towards building new hospital infrastructure and diagnostics. ”
In his third suggestion, Gandhi called for a proportionate reduction of 30% in the expenditure budget (apart from salary, pension and central sector schemes) for the central government.
He said, “This 30% (about Rs. 2.5 lakh crore per year) can then be allocated towards setting up an economic safety net for migrant workers, laborers, farmers, MSMEs and people in the unorganized sector.” ”
The Congress President urged Modi to undertake all foreign visits including the President, Prime Minister, Union Ministers, Chief Ministers, State Ministers and bureaucrats.
The PM said, “Exceptions may be due to special emergency or external matters in the national interest.
This amount (which is around Rs 393 crore only for the visits of the Prime Minister and the Union Cabinet in the last five years) can be used extensively in measures to deal with Kovid-19. ”
In his fifth suggestion, Gandhi demanded transfer of all funds under PM-CARES fund to PM-NRF. “This will ensure efficiency, transparency, accountability and audit of how these funds are allocated and spent.
It seems that there has been a waste of effort and resources to try and make two different silos for the distribution of wealth.
I understand that about Rs 3800 crore is lying idle in PM-NRF (at the end of FY 2019). These funds, – the amount of PM-Cares’, can be used to ensure immediate food safety nets at very small differences in society, ”she said.
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Gandhi further wrote, “Every Indian has made great personal sacrifices to fight this disease. They have complied with every suggestion, directive and decision taken by your office and central government.
It is time that the Legislature and the Executive reunite this trust and good faith. Please be assured that you have our unwavering support in meeting the serious challenge of Kovid-19 in front of the country.
