From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Apr 19: A delegation of senior Congress leaders in the State met Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa under the leadership of Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee President D K Shivakumar in Bengaluru on Sunday.

The delegation discussed the coronavirus (COVID 19) situation and the plight of the people, especially those in rural areas, farmers, farming labourers, small traders and migrant labourers.

Apart from KPCC President D K Shivakumar, the Congress party’s Opposition leader in the State Assembly Siddaramaiah, former Deputy Chief Minister Dr G Parameshwara, ex-KPCC chief Dinesh Gundu Rao, former Speaker of the State Assembly Ramesh Kumar, former ministers R V Deshpande, Ramalinga Reddy, Ajay Dharam Singh and others were part of the delegation.

The Congress leaders urged the Chief Minister to be cautious while taking a decision on lifting the lockdown and also take steps to protect the interests of the people.

They also demanded that extensive testing must be done to detect the Corona positive cases, check the spread of infection and also ensure that the doctors and all healthcare workers must be protected.

The Congress delegation submitted a 15-point report with suggestions to combat the pandemic. They are:

- Declare coronavirus pandemic as a national disaster and pressure the centre to give financial assistance.

- The rate of testing should be 10,000 for every cluster of 10 lac people. Provide one lab and required medical staff and kit for every district.

- Give opportunity for testing in private hospitals.

- It is appreciable that insurance facility is given to doctors fighting against coronavirus pandemic.

- Put brakes on false propaganda against one religion with regard to the pandemic.

- The leaders of BJP are provoking public on social media. Take action in this regard.

- MLAs of ruling party are putting their photo labels on food kits even during this time of crisis. Put brakes on such acts.

- Sincere police officers, who have taken action against anti-social elements have been sent on mandatory leave. Withdraw this immediately.

- Implement corona lockdown strictly in corona red zone areas

- Extend the coronavirus insurance facility to Asha workers, nurses and paramedical staff.

- Provide relief to farmers who have incurred loss under national disaster relief fund.

- Lacs of people from other states are stranded in the state due to the lockdown. Make arrangement to send them back to their native places.

- Provide opportunity under MNREGA project for registered labourers to work.

- Provide Rs 10,000 every month to merchants in unorganized sector, artisans, priests, loaders, cooks, auto drivers and professionals of similar category.