Chennai: Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami today said no micro and small scale industries have been closed due to coronavirus. He was responding to a special calling attention motion moved by the main opposition DMK in the Assembly.
Palaniswami said that necessary precautionary measures have been taken. ”Coronavirus does not spread due to local people,” he added.
Speaking on the motion, Leader of Opposition M K Stalin said micro and small scale businesses are affected due to the pandemic. ”Many countries are giving compensation to such companies. Exception should also be given from paying GST for six months,” he said.
In response to this, Commercial Taxes Minister K C Veeramani said a decision on tax exemption can be taken only by the GST council. Palaniswami also made a slew of announcements under the Rule 110. He announced that Rs 15,000 will be given to 12,552 rural self help groups.”We have set a target of giving Rs 14,000 crore bank loans to self help groups,” he added.
TREATMENT COST
Meanwhile, Health Minister C Vijayabaskar said measures are being taken to give treatment for coronavirus suspects in private hospitals.
”The treatment cost will be covered under the Chief Minister Comprehensive Health Scheme,” he said.
CORPORATION’S WARNING TO TEA SHOPS, HOTELS
Greater Chennai Corporation Officials have issued strict instructions to tea shops. The officials have said that the tea glasses should be washed with hot water and soap. ”If the workers are suffering from cold or fever, they should immediately get themselves checked. Apart from this, the shop keepers should also create awareness among the customers about handwashing,” the officials added.
The officials have also asked hotels and restaurants to ensure that the food is prepared in a hygenic manner and that all their employees are healthy.
WHAT ABOUT TASMAC
Meanwhile, the Madurai Bench of Madras High Court today dismissed a plea asking the closure of TASMAC outlets in the State. The case was dismissed after the State government’s representative said that a similar case was pending in the Madras High Court.