Assam Cabinet to cut salaries of Ministers, MLAs by 30% for one year

* Fund to be used for the treatment of COVID patients

* Lockdown period: Cabinet to decide on April 12

* More families to get Rs 1,000 as a one-time grant

* PSU employees to be covered under Rs 50 lakh insurance

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: The State Cabinet in its meeting held on Tuesday decided to deduct 30 percent of the monthly salaries of the Chief Minister, Ministers, and all MLAs for one year; and the amount will be deposited in the fund for treatment of COVID patients in the State.

With regards to the post-lockdown scenario, the Assam Cabinet on Tuesday decided to follow the guidelines issued by the Government of India. Informing this to the media after the Cabinet meeting, State Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma further said, “The Centre’s directive will have to be directly implemented by the Deputy Commissioners (DCs). Above all, the norm of social distancing must be maintained at all levels. If any situation warrants that social distancing might not be possible somewhere due to some reasons, the respective DC must inform the higher authorities.”

Minister Sarma added, “As sought by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we have also forwarded our suggestions on the post-lockdown scenario. At the State level, the Cabinet in its next meet on April 12 will take a final view on the steps that will have to be in place during that crucial period.”

However, the Assam government is not in favour of a total withdrawal of lockdown. Minister Sarma said, “Looking at the still evolving situation arising out of the coronavirus threat, we don’t feel that the lockdown could be totally withdrawn.”

Further, to cover those families that have not been included under the ‘National Food Security Act’, Sarma said, “The State government will extend Rs 1,000 as a one-time grant to each family. The total number of such beneficiary family has been increased according to the population density.”

The government has also covered each employee of various public sector undertakings (PSUs) like ASTC, Power, and others involved in various anti-COVID related works — for Rs 50 lakh insurance.

Also Read: Lockdown for COVID-19: Meghalaya Cabinet outlines slew of measures

Also Watch: Sellers take advantage of helplessness of panic stricken citizens by overpricing commodities