CITU seeks aid of Rs 5,000 to all families with ration cards

“We welcome the steps taken by the state government to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus but it is not enough. We demand steps to be taken increase scope for the people test for coronavirus and improve the public health facilities,” CITU state general secretary G Sugumaran in a statement.

Urging the state government to act against the traders who are fleecing the consumers by selling the masks and disinfectants at exorbitant prices, he asked the government to provide adequate numbers of protective gears to the doctors and sanitary workers.

“With the closure of the places of public gathering including malls and cinemas, several workers have lost their livelihood. The government should ensure that the companies should not stop paying their salaries considering it as unpaid leave. Those engaged in the construction, auto-rickshaw and call taxi drivers were adversely impacted by the coronavirus scare,” he said, noting that those engaged in the self-employment were also affected.

“Protecting vulnerable people is the government's most important duty. Therefore, all those who hold the ration card must be provided with all essential items free of charge during the Coronavirus impact period. All those having ration cards and those registered in the unorganised workers' welfare boards should be immediately paid Rs. 5, 000 for their sustenance. The due dates for the repayment of loans availed for purchasing the auto-rickshaw and taxis should be postponed while the government should waive the electricity charges, water tax and property tax,” he demanded.