Bengaluru, Apr 7: The Karnataka Government indicated today that it is too early to take a call now on lifting the nation-wide lockdown but said it’s in favour of its extension in COVID-19 hotspots in the country by at least an additional two weeks.
“We need to see for another few days before taking final call,” Medical Education Minister Sudhakar K, who is in-charge of all matters related to COVID-19, told news agency Press Trust of India when asked if the State is in favour of the rollback after the 21-day period ends on April 14.
The minister opined that the decision on its withdrawal should be based on the COVID-19 pandemic situation at the time in terms of number of cases and response to the outbreak.
When the lockdown is lifted, it has to be in a staggered and phased manner, and not at one go, Mr Sudhakar stressed.
“Where there are red alerts and zones, those zones, in my opinion, should continue to be in a lockdown situation at least for two weeks…till this month-end, I will request them (the Centre) to do this,” he said.
The Telananga Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao on Monday appealed to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi to extend the 21-day national lockdown imposed to contain COVID-19 outbreak beyond April 14, saying it was essential to save lives.
Mr Sudhakar said the Karnataka government is facing financial challenges because of drastic fall in revenues due to the lockdown, adding, it would take “tough decisions” to cut expenditure.
The Finance Department is in the process of evaluating the state’s fiscal position.
“Finance department is gathering information…what is the need now, what should be the overall expenditure, how much we can save; financial support for unorganised and organised sector, along with stimulus to other sectors, we have to see where we stand financially,” the minister said.
“Based on that, we have to take certain steps for sure because after all the government runs on the exchequer money. Once the exchequer is stopped because of lockdown, we are not getting GST, no motor vehicle tax. No tax money is coming.”
Government also has to run right? he said.
He said commitment and obligations with regard to paying interest on loans taken at the national and international level would have to be met.
“So, there are some financial constraints, and financial challenges before the government. The Government will take tough decisions only after studying the entire finance (position of the State).”
The Telangana government last week announced pay cut for government employees.
The Union Cabinet on Monday approved a 30 per cent cut in salaries of all Members of Parliament and a two-year suspension of the MP Local Area Development (MPLAD) scheme.
Addressing presspersons in Vijayapura, he said that the report was aimed at defaming the Congress leaders and not to bring out the truth. “The report had several flaws and it was not true. With several lacunae in the report, the government rejected it,” he said.
Comments
This fake guy....Waste body ever i have seen in this World.
I challenge you that i know about Islam more then this Guy...
I request Muslim Scholars please try to Educate him about Islam.
Muslim leaders in congress looting their own community properties.
All politicians all over India already looted Wakf properties. No one is there to ask them.
Nowadays Chaddi gone Trouser came, Linga gone Mr Yeddi and Mrs Shobakka came, Anwaranna why you look worried? be happy looters have already looted and enjoyed, who is not corrupted in this world Anwaranna, looks now you are wearing Chaddi after Trouser bit difficult!!! do not worry we will see some other options, Wakf property's Next term for your goons, terms and terms, but looters and Criminals same like RSS Goondas, no changes.
Enjoy Anwaranna, you collected false documents some one then how can you prove???
Jai Hindustan
Jai Siddanna.
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