Instead Of Loan Based Reforms, Government Should Consider Direct Cash Transfer To Poor, Says Rahul Gandhi

Rahul Gandhi in a press conference with regional media today said that though the 20-lakh crore package is a good decision, credit-based reforms may not be the right way in the present time.

Former Congress President Rahul Gandhi. (File Photo/ Getty)

New Delhi: In a press conference with regional media congress leader Rahul Gandhi reiterated that though the 20-lakh crore package is a good decision, credit-based reforms may not be the right way in the present time. He said that government should revive demand in the market by ensuring direct transfer of money to people. He warned that we have yet to see the worst side of coronavirus that is severe economic damage “The worst is still to come.  There are going to be many economic hurdles and lot damage is going to happen. It is important that the government prepares for it and take measures to create demand. The loan will not work since there is no demand and it may not work. PM should consider direct bank transfer.” Said Gandhi during the conference. Regarding the migrant worker crisis, Gandhi said that it is not the time to criticise and delve into finger-pointing but to come together and take steps that will help the poor workers. He also felt that even in this case, direct transfers will be beneficial in the short term. Also Watch: “There are a lot of people who are walking home, and it is our collective responsibility to help them. In these challenging times, it is necessary to give direct money to them right now,” said Gandhi. Gandhi stressed that in this crisis there is no choice between people and economy and that both will have to be protected by ‘intelligent’ decisions. “Lockdown is not a switch that can be turned off and at any time. It has to be lifted carefully keeping the vulnerable i.e. the poor and those with existing ailments in mind. There is a great need to infuse money into the system to get the economy running again.”