May 2020 \
“Centre must handhold states till economy is back on track”

With the Bhilwara Model paving way for the global world to strategise in its fight against an unseen enemy—the COVID-19 virus, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot was congratulated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for taking new initiatives to fight the pandemic during a video conferencing session held with the state CMs on Monday. IANS spoke to Gehlot in an e-interview to know more about these new initiatives being introduced in the state. Gehlot who has been leading from the front in the battle against the COVID-19 crisis in the state, in the e-interview, highlighted the challenges which were successfully eliminated to make the Bhilwara model a success on the global map. He further discussed the way forward for the state economy which is in shambles following the pandemic outbreak. He talked about the initiatives taken by his Government to ensure that “no one sleeps hungry in Rajasthan”. The CM said that Rajasthan probably is the first state in the country to have announced an econo

By Archana Sharma

What challenges you see during COVID-19 crisis in terms of economic instability. Any way forward which the state Government is contemplating on to battle out the crisis?

With the view to bring the state economy on track and ensure growth at a faster speed, a task force has been constituted under the chairmanship of Arvind Mayaram (retired Finance Secretary, Government of India). Appropriate steps will be taken with proactive approach through continuous discussions with the experts and stake holders of all the sectors. Even during the modified lockdown, the permitted activities are being supported to ensure that they resume and pickup their operations without much obstacles.

What is your expectation from the central Government? You have been writing letters and holding VC with PM, has there been any satisfying feedback from Delhi?

We expect that the union Government would come forward with a stimulus package for all the states. The Central Government needs to hand hold the states so long as their economies are not back on track. Proactive, state-friendly big policy decisions befitting the situation are expected of the Government of India. All dues that are payable to the states by Union Government need to be cleared at one go.




Comments.