Kerala government’s Covid-19 relief aid is insufficient, says KK Shailaja
Thiruvananthapuram: Former health minister and current MLA from Mattannur seat, K K Shailaja, has told the state government’s Covid-19 alleviation efforts weak and urged the administration to take them seriously.
Shailaja raised her concern during a session in the Kerala Legislative Assembly to draw attention to the various sectors affected by Covid-19. She brought the government’s attention to the plight of small-scale and traditional employment sectors. She further said that the declared relief aid is only a temporary solution.
She also asked the government to pay handloom workers’ salary arrears as soon as possible and to increase the Onam rebate by 10%. Existing welfare programmes are insufficient; only a special package can save them. She also mentioned that an interest-free loan could be beneficial to them.
Unlike the usual Opposition criticism of the government, the voice raised by ruling party member Shailaja was distinct. In response, Minister for Industries P Rajeev explained the various projects in this regard and assured her that her suggestions would be taken into consideration.