Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 26: JKPCC Vice President and former minister Raman Bhalla continued visiting different areas of Gandhi Nagar constituency, especially focusing on areas having large population of poor and marginalized sections of society to express his solidarity with them in hour of crisis.
Speaking on the occasion, Bhalla claimed that BJP top leaders in J&K have now publically admitted that lack of preparation and proper arrangements to deal with Covid-19 second wave in J&K made the situation worst resulting in surge in Covid-19 cases and also surge in Covid-19 deaths. He sought apology from BJP leaders for accusing Congress leaders for raising genuine and vital issues which finally they are accepting that Congress was not wrong in realizing Govt from time to time that what they should do and was being done on the ground by them.
“There were multiple early warning signs. Forget the signs, scientists clearly warned the Government this would happen – they ignored them. We could and should have been much better prepared. And now, where is the Government in this crisis? It is completely missing in action,” he alleged.
Bhalla demanded drawing on the existing surplus foodgrain stocks to provide free rations to the families of the marginalised and deprived sections of society as well as unorganised labour who have lost their employment opportunities until the ferocity of the pandemic. “Govt must provide a monthly income support for the current financial year to the needy sections of society to enable them to meet contingent expenses and unforeseen emergencies,” he said and recommended Rs 10,000 per month per household, equivalent to minimum wages.
The Congress leaders asked the Government to place all data in the public domain and ensure that evidence-based policy measures are implemented. “BJP Government seems to be more concerned with managing the narrative of efficient management of the Covid crisis rather than addressing the crucial issues at stake. While the above constitute actions to be taken at the politico-administrative level, the most important action relates to building up the confidence and morale of a population hard hit by the loss of their near and dear ones. Compassion and caring have to be the cornerstones of Government policy,” he added.
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