While PM Modi called for a 'janata curfew', the Kerala government implemented some serious steps

• Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that there will be a ‘Janata Curfew’ on March 22.
• Simultaneously, Kerala’s Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan announced some serious steps for his state in a relief fund of ₹20,000 crore ($2.6 billion).
• Vijayan plan includes free food for all, extension on bill payments, and social security for those without pension.

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke about a nation-wide curfew and placated his audience, the Kerala’s Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan announced some serious steps to keep help citizens within the state.

Modi’s ‘Janata Curfew’ has its own charm, indicative of more such exercises to be a part of the coming weeks until the coronavirus outbreak dies down.

However, Vijayan’s concrete steps will go a long way to actually calm down citizens in a situation where many are now starting to panic — including free ration, a relief for those rushing to stores to buy staples before stocks run out. A total of ₹20,000 crore ($2.6 billion) has been allocated towards relief measures.

Here are some of things that the ₹20,000 relief funds will cover:

• Free ration for everyone, no discrimination between rich and poor
• 2 month’s pension to be given together
• ₹100 crore has been set aside for those without pension
• One month extension on the payment of power and water bills
• Health package of ₹500 crore
• Loans worth ₹2,000 crore will be allocated to families in need through Kudumbashree
• Fitness fee for autorickshaws will be relaxed
• Entertainment tax reduction will be given in cinema halls
• Stage carriage and contract carriage in buses will be tax-deductible
• Stage carrier will be give an one-month exemption for three months tax

Currenly, there are 27 active coronavirus cases in Kerala. It’s among the top 5 most impacted states in India. The country’s overall death toll 4 today — after a 64-year old man in Punjab passed away — and there are 173 total reported cases.


See also:
What is Janata Curfew that PM Narendra Modi suggested: Coronavirus Impact

Prime Minister Narendra Modi tells 1.3 billion Indians to impose a symbolic 'janata curfew' on March 22