Sonia Gandhi asks Centre to unlock coffers to help needy

Congress President Sonia Gandhi on Thursday asked the central government to unlock its coffers and help the needy affected by the coronavirus-induced lockdown. In a video message posted as part of the Congress' 'Speak Up India' campaign, she lamented that even though the country is passing through a serious economic crisis with loss of livelihood due to the pandemic and the lockdown, the central government has not heard the cries of pain and trauma of people.

"We again urge the Centre to unlock its coffers and help the needy. Put direct cash of Rs 7,500 per month in the account of every family for the next six months and provide Rs 10,000 immediately; ensure safe and free travel of laborers back home, employment opportunity and rations; and also increase the number of workdays under MNREGA to 200 days to facilitate jobs in villages," Gandhi said. "Instead of loans, provide financial relief to the small and medium industry so that crores of jobs are saved and the country progresses," she said in her video message on the party's social media handles.

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