Increase coronavirus testing, issue notification for deferment of EMI notification: Cong to govt

The Congress urged the government on Tuesday to increase coronavirus testing in the country and also issue a notification on deferment of EMI payment of loans during the lockdown period.

Congress spokesperson Manish Tewari also urged the government to make arrangements for procurement and storage of Rabi crop that is about to be harvested in the next 15 days.

Referring to the religious congregation in Delhi's Nizamuddin area which left several people affected by the virus, he said at a press conference addressed through video conferencing that this is not the time for a blame-game.

Police and paramilitary personnel cordoned off a major area in Nizamuddin West in south Delhi while over 200 people have been kept in isolation in hospitals after several people who took part in a religious congregation there earlier this month showed COVID-19 symptoms.

"We request the finance minister to ensure that the RBI circular regarding EMIs (being deferred for three months) should be issued widely and that interest subvention arrangement should be made for the interest on the deferred EMI payments," he said.

Referring to lakhs of migrant labourers trying to reach their native places traversing long distances by foot, the Congress leader said, "We request the government to make arrangements and ensure that those on the streets, desperately trying to get home should be helped in getting home safely."