Assam govt urges stranded migrants to come in moderation to lower quarantine rush

Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma made several announcements regarding the current scenario amid the covid19 outbreak. At first, he took stock of the rise of corona cases in Assam with the death toll increased to 3 and the state crossing a century of the corona positive cases. However, he has urged the people of Assam to not panic. "The recent cases are under a quarantine environment. People shouldn't panic as quarantine works are going good". The Health Minister stressed the importance of proper quarantining to avoid community transmission and has urged the people stranded outside in state to return but in moderation. "We will bring you back but it will be difficult if people come in lakhs. Right now, 4,000 people are lodged in Dhubri quarantine centre, this becomes counterproductive", said Sarma.

Himanta Biswa Sarma who also is the Finance Minister responds to PM Modi's stimulus. He talks about the impact it would have on Assam. "The move will bring in liquidity in Assam's system. Fiscal support will help us in the short term. We can also depend on RBI for low-interest loans". He further explains the loan scenario ahead. "Repo rate and the refinance of NABARD will be helpful. Our rural banks will be able to give credit to people because of more cash in the banking system".

He addressed the ASEB problems of consumers not paying the bills. The state board faced problems to pay the money back to the power supply providers. However, certain measures will help tackle the issue. "Loans can be taken from the amount not paid by the consumers. This will be breathing space to ASEB".

He also discussed the MSME sector in Assam which faces the economic disruption amid the covid19 crisis. "Many can now avail loans as the turn over the limit for working capital has increased". In Assam itself, "66,000 can take loans without mortgage which will be of big help".

Also read: Assam: Two more tests positive for coronavirus, total climbs to 104

Other measures

The EPF will be relaxed for 3 months, which will be reduced to 10% instead of 12%.

There will be a 1-time extension of contraction for 6 months for central works and the state government is thinking on the same lines.

The liquidity on the hands of the contractors will increase.

There will be 16 lakh Kisan Credit Card, which will not be limited to agriculture but will be available for dairy, poultry and other sectors

For the mudra loans - cost of 2% interest will be borne by govt

1 cr Jan Dhan Mahila accounts will get Rs 500 for 3 months, which will round up to Rs 1500 crore

Under ujjwala scheme 3 gas cylinders will be free - at a cost of Rs 735 cr for whole state

The pension holders will get another Rs 1000

The state has already received Rs 150 crore for Covid related fight.

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