Thiruvananthapuram: MPs from Kerala including Rahul Gandhi, A.K. Antony, and Shashi Tharoor allocates funds from MP’s Local Area Development Scheme to support COVID19 healthcare activities.
Gandhi sanctioned Rs 2.66 crore from his Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme for his Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency. Sasi Tharoor sanctioned a similar amount for Thiruvananthapuram, as did Rajya Sabha member Antony for his home district Alappuzha.
Under the scheme, the MPs can recommend the district collector on which project to spend the money on in their respective constituencies.
Kerala MP would sanction money under the scheme for fighting coronavirus raging in Kerala, with over 76,000 persons with suspected symptoms quarantined either at homes or in hospitals. About 118 people in Kerala tested positive for the deadly virus.
Earlier in the day, Tharoor appealed to the Prime Minister to divert the Rs 20,000 crore which is proposed for a new Parliament building and Centre to supplement the Rs 15,000 crore allotted to fight COVID-19.
He also pointed out the huge shortage of full-body Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) kits, N-95 masks, face shields, three-layered masks and medical goggles, infrared non-contact thermometers, and other equipment/items which will help prevent the community spread.
