[ad_1]
Instead of presiding over the plight of migrant workers, the Union government should use the PM CARES Fund to help them, Congress said Sunday.
Also read: Coronavirus blockade | PM Modi will interact with the CM on Monday with focus on the economy
At an online news conference, Congresswoman Supriya Shrinate said the latest wave of migrant exodus is “the greatest human tragedy of our time, and the government should show more empathy.”
“Why has the PM CARES Fund been quarantined instead of using the money for those most affected? How much has been raised in the fund and when will it be used? It is time for this callous government to wake up to the difficult situation of migrant labor and act decisively to protect them, “he said.
Ms Shrinate alleged that the BJP ruling attempted to block assistance provided by Congress and, in conjunction with the Ministry of Railways, resorted to petty politics.
Also read: Coronavirus | Most CMs want Modi to be cautious about lifting the block, says Puducherry CM
Appropriate measures
The congressional spokesman said people were not being transported to get to the railway stations. “We urge the government to seriously announce adequate rescue and relief measures for migrant workers,” he said.
Every human being wants to be home in times of crisis, and migrant workers were denied this benefit, Shrinate said. “Most of them had lost their jobs,” he said.
“There were millions of migrant workers who were stranded across the country, no action was taken to rescue or protect them. And even today, we see many of them walking home. How can we Indians be okay with the worst human tragedy unfolding before our eyes? In the last count until May 8, up to 42 migrant workers had lost their lives. Who is responsible for this? She asked.
Also read: Coronavirus blockade | Tired migrant workers dragged hopes down the road from their homes
Ms Shrinate said, “Charging the migrants’ train fare was a more callous and callous act of the government.”
“The BJP has continued to play petty politics and both the railway ministry and the central government have tried to block the assistance offered by Congress. We urge the government to seriously announce adequate rescue and aid measures for the migrant labor force” , said.