Government should come forward to their Rescue: Usman Majid
Srinagar, 5th June, : Former minister & Senior Leader JKAP Usman Majid, on Friday said the ongoing lockdown to combat the COVID-19 pandemic has badly hit the working class.
In a statement issued to news agency —CNS, Usman said that J&k has a consumption-driven economy with 23% of its 44 lakh labour force deriving its livelihood from the trading sector and another 17% from the transport sector.
He said that due to the double whammy lockdowns and communication blockade, logistical restrictions, havoc has been unleashed to both these labour-intensive sectors of J&K. Businesses also have suffered huge income losses resulting in wide spread bank defaults, rampant job cuts and foreclosures.
He further said that According to an official report published by the KCCI, the Kashmir economy lost almost Rs 18,000 crore in the 120 days after August 5, 2019. This added to estimated losses of another Rs 16,000 crore during the days of COVID-19 lockdown till end of May, brought the loss to J&K’s economy to a staggering Rs 34,000 crores, which is around 19% of JK’s GSDP, Usman added.
Usman added that, the government should pay pending wages for all works under the MGNREGA and expand its scope to those now forced out of work. Adding rural laborers will not be able to work because of the lockdown and should be given wages during the crisis.
He so said that Farming communities are facing losses and the government needs to step up procurement to protect agricultural income and save the produce.
Usman Majid urged the UT Administration to offer basic income to the working class, which will help their families to survive during this Pandemic lockdown.
He urged upon the Government to facilitate poor of the poorest in the society. (CNS)
