On Saturday, Former Prime Minister HD Devegowda’s office notified that the veteran leader has decided to donate 1,00,000 each to the PM Cares Funds, the Karnataka Chief Minister Relief Fund and Kerala’s Chief Minister Relief Fund from his pension amount.
HD Devegowda took Twitter to announce the same,
“Out of the pension he receives, former Prime Minster @H_D_Devegowda has contributed Rs 1,00,000/- each to PM Cares Fund, Govt. of Karnataka Chief Minister’s Relief Fund, and Kerala Chief Minister’s Distress Relief Fund. – Office of HDD.”
Following this gesture, the Prime Minister of India hailed his predecessors donation and responding to the tweet of HD Devegowda, he wrote on his twitter account as he called the gesture “very inspiring”.
The Prime Minister had announced the newly set up ‘PM Cares’ fund that is exclusive to the fight against the COVID-19 outbreak. The Central government asked for donations from the business, celebrities and even the common public. The government even asked the companies to donate their CSR funds to the PM Cares.
In support of the government, says Devegowda
On April 5th, Devegowda put out a tweet appreciating the Prime Minister’s efforts to take in all the opposition leaders into confidence. Reportedly, the prime Minister called up the previous Prime Ministers and Presidents including HD Devegowda and asked for their suggestions to combat the COVID-19 crisis. He wrote on Twitter,
“Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi had called me today to discuss the #COVID19 situation. Hon’ble PM praised my administrative experience and requested my support. I have assured him of my support in our Nation’s fight against the pandemic.”
The 86 year-old leader had also pointed out the possible struggle of the farmers in the duration of the lockdown and hence asked the authorities to ensure the farmers aren’t troubled in these times. He also praised the move to impose a lockdown on the entire country as a precautionary measure.
The lockdown imposed on the 24th of March by the central government was scheduled to end on the 14th of April but the recent developments suggest that the lockdown is likely to get extended for at least 2 weeks. There is also a lot of conjecture about the seal down, a stricter lockdown. However, there are no firm reports to back the claim but as of now, the extension of lockdown seems likely.
Source: Deccan Herald
