World Health Organization thumps up the out of box initiatives taken by India to contain Wuhan virus

AS diehard critics of Prime Minister Narendra Modi are changing perception about him, Geneva headquartered World Health Organization affiliated to 193-Member United Nations Organization has heaped praise on the India’s statesman for his out of box initiatives to tackle the dreaded Wuhan Virus. Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, on Thursday, April 3 has appreciated PM Modi for committing $24 billion relief package envisaging provision for food rations, cash transfers and free cooking gas amid the lockdown imposed to contain COVID -19 in India. The former foreign minister of Ethiopia now heading WHO, has tweeted hat steps like lockdown can lead to dire consequences for the poor and vulnerable sections of the society. It is, however, important that they are assured of food and shelter. “Countries are asking people to #stayhome and shutting down population movement to limit #COVID19 transmission. These steps can have unintended consequences for the poorest and most vulnerable,” Dr Ghebreyesus said. “My appreciation to Prime Minister @narendramodi for announcing a $24 billion package to support Flag of India’s vulnerable populations during #COVID19 crisis, including free food rations for 800 million disadvantaged people, cash transfers to 204 million poor women, free cooking gas for 80 million households,” he added. Many developing countries may struggle to implement social welfare programs up to this scale. The WHO chief said ‘’I call on countries to ensure these populations have food and life essentials during the crisis. Broad and expedited agreement on debt relief is essential to enable them to care for their people and avoid economic collapse. #Solidarity,” he tweeted. The Modi Government last week announced $24 billion fiscal stimulus package to help the poor tackle the financial difficulties arising from the 21-day lockdown. Under the relief package under PM Gareeb Kalyan Scheme, direct cash transfers (under the DBT or Direct Benefit Transfer scheme) and food security-related steps are being doled out aiming giving relief to the poor workers. (edited by PKC .image courtesy: Devex)