Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Government today asked for unrestricted movement of essential goods through the inter-state borders. Kerala Chief Minister, Shri Pinarayi Vijayan has requested the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi for an assurance that inter-state goods movement would not be affected by the lockdown. “Neighbouring states should not create hurdles during this crisis period and all states should fight this pandemic together.” The Chief Minister made this demand during a video-conferencing with the Prime Minister today.
The Chief Minister also sought the intervention of the Central Government in ensuring the safety of the Malayalee workforce spread across the world. “Indian Embassies should provide assistance in setting up quarantine centres in respective countries which has a large number of Indian expatriates and especially nurses from Kerala. It is our duty to ensure their personal safety also”. He informed the PM about the status and steps taken to curb the spread of the virus in the State. “We have implemented all directives from the Central Government in this regard.” The CM demanded an increase in the borrowing capacity of the State from the current 3% to 5%. He also requested the PM to make the necessary transport arrangements for the migrant labourers to go back home after the lockdown period.
During his daily media briefing today, the CM disclosed the Central Health Secretary, who was present during the VC, appreciated the efforts of the State in keeping down the number of deaths due to Coronavirus infection and also, in controlling the outbreak of the pandemic in the State. The State Government has also requested the Centre for approving more testing centres in Kerala. Central assistance would also be required in bringing the rapid test kits from Hong Kong.
As suggested by the Prime Minister, all NCC cadets and NSS volunteers will be allowed to join the State’s Community Volunteer Force. Those who left NCC and NSS in the last five years will also be allowed to join.
