COVID-19: TN hints support to extend curbs, wants 2 lakh test kits from Centre
In a meet via a video link with Modi to discuss theCOVID-19 situation, Palaniswami sought two lakh test kits fromthe Centre, additional funding to aid unorganised sectorworkers and farm labourers, besides Rs 2,000 to each of theirfamilies if the lockdown is to be extended by the Centre.
He wanted the Centre to announce a special package foragriculture and horticulture promotion.
"Train and flight services should not be resumed.I appealto the Prime Minister and other Chief Ministers not to allowinter State passengers movement," an official release quotedhim as saying.
Smooth supply of essential commodities like dhal andspices from other states through railways and inter-Statemovement of these goods through lorries should be ensured, hesaid.
"If the lockdown is extended,I request additional fundingas well as allotment of essential commodities to support theunorganised sector workers and agricultural labourers. Theymay be provided 2,000 rupees per family."|
Noting that Tamil Nadu as on date had 911 positive cases,he said "testing of the contacts has to be done immediatelyfor which I require rapid test kits.
I have written to the Union Health Minister to providetwo lakh test kits to Tamil Nadu."
Palaniswami said so far 8,410 samples have been tested,and 1,891 people have been isolated.
Though Tamil Nadu has faced many natural disasterscontinuously like the three cyclones between 2016 and 2018,besides a severe drought, it still got lesser allocation underthe State Disaster Relief Fund, he said and requested an adhocRs 1,000 crore grant from the National Disaster Relief Fundimmediately to procure medical and protective material.
Thanking the Centre for Rs 510 crore grant under SDRF, hesaid the 15th Finance Commission methodology has resulted inTamil Nadu getting only 64.65 per cent increase under theSDRF, while it is 120.33 per cent for other states.
The Chief Mininster batted for Rs 9,000 crore grant forlaunching a comprehensive plan to combat COVID-19 and itsaftermath on the States economy,Rs 3,000 crore towardsbuying ventilators, Personal Protective Equipment and N-95masks, and wanted the Centre to supply polymerase chainreaction and rapid test kits.
Also, he reiterated a number of measures like nod foradditional borrowing of 33 per cent above the permitted levelfor fiscal year 2019-20 may be allowed for 2020-21 forcombating the pandemic.
Presently the State has 12 government facilities andseven private labs for COVID-19 testing and this needed to beincreased by having atleast one lab per district, he said. VGNAPRRAVINDRANATH VGNAPRRAVINDRANATH