Chennai, Jul 13 (IANS): The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) president M.K. Stalin on Monday urged the state government to take immediate and long term measures to save the state from coronavirus disaster.

In a statement issued here Stalin said it is more than four months since normal life has been affected in the state due to the pandemic.

Citing the views of experts, Stalin said the government should immediately take the short term measures like: distribution of Rs 5,000 to all the families so that they can purchase essential items to increase cash circulation; relax restrictions on movement of people instead of banning totally; distribute centre and state dues to micro and small units; increase the number of days under the MGNREGA scheme to 250 and the state governments should exit from goods and services tax (GST) till the end of coronavirus pandemic.

As to the long term measures Stalin suggested the state government should take steps so that during difficult times a minimum income security is available for all and include everyone under the free medical insurance scheme.