New Delhi, Apr 7: Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Tuesday suggested Prime Minister Narendra Modi a complete ban on media advertisements, a reduction in government expenditure and putting on hold foreign visits by government dignitaries to divert much needed funds to the fight against Covid-19.
In a letter to the Prime Minister, her fourth letter since the outbreak of Coronavirus, Ms Gandhi also called for a suspension of the ₹20,000 crore ‘Central Vista’ beautification and construction project and transfer of all money under ‘PM Cares’ fund to the ‘Prime Ministers National Relief Fund’ (‘PM-NRF’) to ensure efficiency, transparency, accountability and audit.
Pointing out that people of the country have made great personal sacrifices to fight this disease, Ms Gandhi said it was time that the Legislature and the Executive reciprocate this trust and good faith.
While expressing her support for the decision taken by the Union Cabinet to reduce salaries for Members of Parliament by 30 per cent, Ms Gandhi , however, suggested a proportionate reduction of 30 per cent in the expenditure budget (other than Salaries, Pensions and Central Sector Schemes) for the Government.
‘It makes sense to order a proportionate reduction of 30 per cent in the expenditure budget (other than salaries, pensions and central sector schemes) for the Government of India as well. This 30 percent (i.e. ₹2.5 lakh crore per year approximately) can then be allocated towards establishing an economic safety net for migrant workers, labourers, farmers, MSME’s and those in the unorganised sector,’ Ms Gandhi said.
She also called for a complete ban on media advertisements by the government and suspension of the ₹20,000 crore ‘Central Vista’ beautification and construction project .
‘I suggest that you Impose a complete ban on media advertisements – television, print and online – by the Government and Public Sectors Undertakings (‘PSU’s’) for a period of two years. The only exceptions should be advisories for Covid-19 or for issues relating to public health. Given that the Central Government currently spend an average of ₹1250 crores per year on media advertisements (not including an equal or greater amount spent by PSUs and Government companies), this will free up a substantial amount to alleviate the economic and social impacts of Covid-19,’ the Congress leader said.
