Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath says the state government will give lakhs of daily wage laborers and construction workers Rs 1,000 per day to meet their needs.
The announcement comes in at a time when the whole nation goes under lockdown to hold the virus spread. Over 270 people have been infected so far, and four have died.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath: Rs 1000 each will be given 15 lakh daily wage labourers and 20.37 lakh construction workers to help them meet their daily needs https://t.co/CRxZkoaHEt
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) March 21, 2020
At a press conference on Saturday, Yogi Adityanath said there were 23 cases in Uttar Pradesh. Nine people have recovered, he said.
“A total of 23 people are infected with coronavirus in the state. Out of the total cases, nine people have recovered. We have a sufficient number of isolation wards in the state,” Adityanath said.
Speaking on the announcement, Adityanath said: “Rs 1000 each will be given 15 lakh daily wage laborers and 20.37 lakh construction workers via direct benefit transfer to help them meet their daily needs.”
Adityanath urged people to follow ‘Janta curfew’ called by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “All metro rail, state and city bus services in the state will remain closed tomorrow,” the Chief Minister said.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath: Free ration will be provided in April to over 1.65 lakh people registered under Antyodaya Scheme, Mahatma Gandhi Employment Guarantee Act, and construction workers & daily wage labourers registered with Labour Department. #Coronavirus https://t.co/aGXATACBg2 pic.twitter.com/wXmOQX46zw
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) March 21, 2020
Meanwhile, he also requested people not to worry over coronavirus. “We have sufficient stock of essential commodities and medicines in the state. So, please don’t rush to shops to buy things and hoard commodities,” he said.
The total number of positive cases of coronavirus in India now stands at 258 including 39 foreigners, said the ministry of health and family welfare on Saturday.