Lighting lamps won't help against COVID-19: Cong

April 05, 2020 17:27

PM Modi asking citizens of the country to light 9 diyas for 9 minutes

The Congress on Sunday said lighting lamps alone will not help win the war against coronavirus and demanded answers from the government on the safety of health workers in the 'absence' of adequate protective gear.

The party also said lifting of lockdown should not be done in an unplanned manner as its implementation.

"Just as lockdown alone cannot fight coronavirus, lighting alone cannot help. Merely lighting a lamp will not help win the war against coronavirus. If the Government of India does not fulfill its duties, it is not possible to fight the war against coronavirus," Congress spokesperson Sushmita Dev said at a press conference through video conferencing.

"There has to be proper planning and provision of personal protection equipment to those fighting this war. There is also the need for an economic package for the poor and vulnerable," she said.

Highlighting the absence of enough protective gear for the medical workers dealing with COVID-19 cases, Dev said at least 50 doctors have been infected by the deadly virus.

She also sought to know when would the Centre provide compensation to those who have died due to coronavirus, as she said state governments were not financially equipped to provide the same.

"Hundred people have died so far, will the central government give compensation to their families? These are some questions which we ask in national interest and not in criticism of the government," she said.

Asked if the Congress supported lifting the lockdown, Dev said it is for the government to decide.

"We only hope it is not done in an unplanned manner as the lockdown was imposed -- the sacrifice of people and the hardship faced by them for the last 21 days should not go waste," she noted.

-- PTI

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