Thackeray said that notifying the pandemic as natural calamity would allow the Maharashtra government to pay a gratuitous relief of Rs 100 per adult per day and Rs 60 per child per day during the period of the lockdown to those registered under the Antyodaya Anna Yojana and Priority Household ration card holders.
“In view of the current Covid situation in the state, a mini lockdown is a necessity, Covid-19 pandemic may be notified as a natural calamity for State Disaster Response Fund,” he said.
Thackeray also requested the Prime Minister to extend the timeline of the submission of GST returns for the months of March and April by three months for small and medium taxpayers.
In his letter, the chief minister also said the first installment of the central share of the SDRF may be released to the state to tide over the financial situation arising out of Covid-19.
“Many small scale industries, businesses, startups have taken bank loans
under different GOL schemes and have supported the country in becoming Atmanirbhar in various sectors. These today are reeling under impact of Covid restrictions on many economic activities,” he said.
“It is thus requested that banks may be asked to defer the instalments that are becoming due at least in first quarter of current financial year may be postponed without interest,” he added.
The Maharashtra government on Tuesday announced severe, curfew-like restrictions on public movement over the next 15 days across the state amid rising Covid-19 cases.
Section 144 of CrPC prohibiting assembly of five or more people at one spot will be in force during the period.
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