From Our Special Correspondent

Daijiworld Media Network

Bengaluru, May 8: The Opposition leaders of Congress and JD(S) have urged the Karnataka chief minister B S Yediyurappa to demand that the Centre should declare COVID-19 as a ‘National Disaster’ and also grant a special economic package of Rs 50,000 crore to the state.

The Opposition leaders, who included former chief ministers Siddaramaiah and H D Kumaraswamy, have demanded that the state government should declare Rs 10,000 crore economic package for the revival of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) as part of the plans of giving an economic impetus for their resumption and job creation.

Siddaramaiah in a memorandum submitted to the chief minister has also demanded waiver of the interests on loans borrowed by the MSME sector from banks and financial institutions and announce a cash relief of Rs 10,000 each to all organized and unorganised sector workers, including artists, migrants, during the lockdown.

Leaders of all opposition political parties met Yediyurappa to discuss the measures taken by the state government to control the spread of the coronavirus and the steps needed to revive the economy with the relaxation of the lockdown situation.

The Opposition leaders included former chief ministers Siddaramaiah, Congress opposition leader in the State Assembly, H D Kumaraswamy of JD(S), KPCC president D K Shivakumar, S R Patil, Congress opposition leader in the Council, former ministers H D Revanna and others.

The CM, who was accompanied by deputy chief ministers Govind Karjol, Dr C N Ashwath Narayan and education minister S Suresh Kumar, explained the steps taken by the state government.

The Opposition leaders expressed their appreciation of the measures taken by the government including the economic package offered. Yediyurappa pointed out that the COVID-19 situation in the state was under better control as compared to other States.

The state government has taken steps to allow the resumption of economic activities after May 3 as per the guidelines set by the Centre.

Karnataka had constituted an exclusive task force to ensure a seamless supply of food and other essential commodities to the affected people and also an agri-war room to ensure the undisrupted continuation of agricultural activities.

Responding to the suggestions from the Opposition leaders, the chief minister explained that the state government has announced the Rs 1,610 economic package to help different sections of the most vulnerable people.

“The Government is fully aware of the problems of the people and would try its best to respond to their needs within the limited resources available,’’ he said pointing out that the state was also facing a resource crunch due to the lockdown situation and suspension of industrial production and trade and business activities.

Both the Congress and JD(S) leaders have also urged the state government to distribute 10 kg rice, milk and other essential commodities to the BPL families if they do not have BPL cards.

Noting difficulties faced by farmers the Congress leader asked the government to release a minimum of Rs 10,000 crore to all co-operative banks and financial institutions to provide loans at zero interest to the farmers to procure seed, fertilizer, essential medicines and other equipment, Siddaramaiah said.

The Opposition leaders stressed the necessity of scientifically assessing the loss incurred to farmers, fruit growers, and owns of domestic animals (poultry and other livestock) for providing compensation at least 50% of the loss.

They have also demanded that the state government set up a revolving fund of at least Rs 5,000 crore and use these funds to open up procurement centres at the panchayat level to buy farmers’ produce in case the market price falls below the cost price.

Siddaramaiah said, “The government should immediately arrange facilities to provide transportation and marketing facilities for the cultivation and sale of flower, fruit, vegetable and crops grown. The government should procure directly from the farmers if there are no traders to buy.’’