Postpone Assembly, demands Opposition

Pointing out to the growing epidemic outbreak in the state, DMK leader MK Stalin raised issues pertaining to job loss and economic slowdown due to coronavirus. Stalin also asked Tamil Nadu to follow Kerala and distribute ration items on door to door basis.

Stalin also reiterated that the state is heading towards job loss as the small and medium enterprises were closing. He also asked the state to follow the Centre’s advisory under which social distancing should be practised. The World Health Organisation in its guideline have also suggested not to encourage mass gathering, so it is advisable not to convene the Assembly of MLAs and bureaucrats, Stalin argued.

Congress floor leader KR Ramaswami also demanded the postponement of the session and emphasised that most of the MLAs were more than 60 years of age. The state leaders like CM, deputy CM, leader of the Opposition and the Speaker are also aged above 60 years. Going by the WHO guidelines, it is better to postpone the Assembly session, Ramaswami urged. Responding to his request, Speaker Dhanapal admitted that there were several requests from legislators in this regard. The issue will be taken up with the CM and the business advisory council of Assembly for future action, the Speaker added.

Reacting to DMK leader Stalin, Chief Minister Palaniswami said people have elected their representatives to perform their duties and there need not be any fear of contracting coronavirus in the state Assembly. Palaniswami also said the small-scale sector units are functioning as usual and none of them have downed their shutters due to thevirus outbreak.

Passengers, who were coming from other states, were thoroughly checked and in case of suspected COVID-19 cases, they would be immediately admitted to the hospital.

Appealing to the people in the state to co-operate with the government in fighting coronavirus, Palaniswami said that the government has taken additional steps in providing Rs 60 crore to various departments, which are engaged in controlling the spread of the coronavirus. “The funds will be used to purchase medical equipment, to carry out disinfectant measures, procuring face mask and other related equipment.”

“With the Assembly proceedings in progress all the vehicles, which enters the Secretariat complex were completely disinfected,” he said adding thermal scanning is being done to the legislative members. The CM said adding that the objective of the Assembly was to ensure that the public are informed about the precautionary measures taken by state to fight coronavirus.