COVID-19: Odisha CM Demands Financial Support for MGNREGS Workers

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to provide financial support to the MGNREGS workers in the wake of outbreak of Coronavirus in the country.

Participating in a video conference chaired by the Prime Minister to discuss various issues relating to COVID-19 with the Chief Ministers, Naveen suggested that the MGNREGS workers should be paid atleast 50 days wages.

The Odisha Chief Minister also demanded financial support for the families covered under National Food Security Act and additional instalments in PM Kisan for farmers.

The CM also stressed the need for economic package for various sector and construction workers.
He also urged the Centre to distribute funds in advance to the States.

The Odisha CM also stressed the need to scale up testing facilities, both private and public for detection of COVID-19 infection and said that the facilities should be made free.

Speaking at the conference, Naveen lauded the Central Government’s initiatives, such as restriction on international travel, air lifting Indians from affected areas and making SDRF available.

Amid the rising spread of Coronavirus, the PM today chaired a video conferencing with all Chief ministers to fight the pandemic.

This development comes after Modi announced his ‘Janta curfew’ on Sunday from 7 AM -9 PM.