Opposition to seek mega relief package, unlocking of PM-CARES for DBT

NEW DELHI: Friday’s meeting of leaders of like-minded opposition parties is slated to demand a larger stimulus package from the Modi government as well ‘unlocking’ of PM-CARES Fund to roll out direct cash transfers and other relief measures to migrant workers and poorer sections of society transparently, it is learnt.

The virtual meeting, to be presided over by Congress president Sonia Gandhi, will collectively reject as ‘insufficient’ the Centre’s recent package. It will also charge the Centre with ‘unilateralism’ and will demand respect to federalism while taking decisions regarding the Covid-19 and lockdown. The opposition leaders will seek larger financial grants and early dispersal of GST share to states. The meeting will accuse the Centre and BJP of trying to policiticise and communalise the Covid-19 handling.

A CPM statement echoed Congress’ demand for direct cash transfer of ₹7,500 each and larger and free distribution of grain. CPM demanded “direct cash transfer of ₹7,500 to all families outside the income-tax bracket” each month during the pandemic period and “free distribution of 10 kg grain to all needy individuals, each month, for the next six months”, along with a set of suggestions.

The meeting will seek several measures for farmers, including early procurement with better MSP and special relief steps. Leaders of about a dozen parties are expected to attend the meeting. Trinamool chief Mamata Banerjee is expected to return to the gathering after a while. Both BSP and SP are likely to stay away from the meeting.