Skip to Main content

8.55°^C Vancouver

News Entertainment Sports Videos Podcast Contact Us

May 12, 2020 3:00 AM -

Punjab CM pitches for lockdown extension with 'carefully crafted strategy'

Share On

punjab-cm-pitches-for-lockdown-extension-with-carefully-crafted-strategy

Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Monday pitched for extension of the lockdown with a "carefully crafted strategy", which is to be backed by fiscal and economic empowerment of the states to save lives and secure livelihood. Photo-ANI

Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Monday pitched for extension of the lockdown with a "carefully crafted strategy", which is to be backed by fiscal and economic empowerment of the states to save lives and secure livelihood.

During a video conference with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Singh said that states needed to be given greater flexibility in micro-planning as part of a carefully planned exit strategy, encompassing both COVID containment and a defined path of economic revival.

He demanded urgent financial assistance to states to meet at least 33 per cent of their committed liabilities, along with revenue grants to the states for 3 months to meet the shortfall in revenue and to fund expenditure on COVID-19.

The Punjab Chief Minister also called for a "national strategy" on COVID testing.

He also reiterated his demand for the immediate release of Punjab's GST arrears of Rs 4,365.37 crore.

The Chief Minister also urged the Prime Minister to increase the borrowing limit under the Financial Responsibility and Budget Management Act 2005 (FRBM Act) from 3 per cent to 4 per cent of SGDP to enable states to meet their fiscal liabilities.

Latest news

canadas-economy-stagnates-for-second-consecutive-month-gdp-decline-expected-in-september

CanadaOct 30, 2026

Canada’s Economy Stagnates for Second Consecutive Month, GDP Decline Expected in September

Canada’s economy remained stagnant for the second consecutive month, with no growth recorded in August, according to the latest data from Statistics Canada. Economists had expected the economy to grow by 0.2 per cent in August, following zero growth in July. However, real gross domestic product (GDP) remained unchanged. The slowdown was mainly driven by a 1.4 per cent decline in wholesale trade and weaker activity in the public sector. Some sectors, however, showed positive growth. Retail trade increased by 1.2 per cent, while the manufacturing sector also recorded growth. Meanwhile, Statist

AlbertaOct 30, 2026

Alberta Introduces Bill to Standardize School Report Cards Provincewide

Alberta’s United Conservative government has introduced a new bill aimed at standardizing school report cards across the province. Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides introduced the legislation, which would give the government authority to establish provincewide guidelines for report cards. Speaking Thursday, Nicolaides said parents remain confused about the one-to-four grading system used in elementary schools, adding that addressing the issue is the province’s responsibility. However, he clarified that no final decision has been made on whether to introduce a letter-based grading sys

wanted-suspect-arrested-in-quebec-in-fatal-hit-and-run-near-oliver-b-c

Wanted Suspect Arrested in Quebec in Fatal Hit-and-Run Near Oliver, B.C.

A suspect wanted in connection with the death of a 22-year-old man in an SUV collision near Oliver, B.C., last year has been arrested in Quebec. According to BC Highway Patrol, the incident occurred on June 15, 2025, on Highway 97 near Oliver. The driver allegedly fled the scene following the collision. The BC Prosecution Service approved charges against the driver, identified as Dominic Cavanagh-Latreille, in June this year. Following an investigation and tips from the public, BC Highway Patrol arrested the suspect earlier this month in Drummondville, Quebec, with assistance from local police

CanadaOct 30, 2026

U.S. Tariffs Push Ontario’s Projected Budget Deficit to $16.9 Billion

U.S. tariffs are having a significant impact on Ontario’s annual budget, with Premier Doug Ford’s government projecting a deficit of $16.9 billion for the 2026-2027 fiscal year in its Fall Economic Statement. The projected deficit is approximately $3.1 billion higher than the $13.8 billion forecast in the March budget. Ontario Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy said the ongoing trade war with the United States and U.S. tariffs are the main reasons behind the widening deficit. He said American tariffs have hit Ontario’s steel, automotive and manufacturing sectors particularly hard. Ontar

CanadaOct 30, 2026

Canada Cracks Down on Fake Immigration Agents, Fines Up to $1.5 Million

The Canadian government has introduced a new penalty system to crack down on fraudulent immigration agents. Under the new rules issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), individuals who provide false immigration advice or charge fees for immigration services without proper authorization could face fines ranging from $5,000 to as much as $1.5 million. According to the new guidelines, anyone acting as an immigration representative without a valid licence or required authorization will face a minimum fine of $5,000. Additionally, individuals who deliberately submit false or m

Related News

BJP Nominates Hardeep Singh Puri for Rajya Sabha By-Election in Madhya Pradesh

BJP Nominates Hardeep Singh Puri for Rajya Sabha By-Election in Madhya Pradesh

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday nominated Hardeep Singh Puri as its candidate for the Rajya Sabha by-election in Madhya Pradesh. Puri was first elected to the Rajya Sabha from Uttar Pradesh in January 2018. His current term is scheduled to end on November 25, 2026. The Rajya Sabha seat in Madhya Pradesh fell vacant following the resignation of former Union Minister L. Murugan. The Election Commission has announced a by-election for the seat, with November 2 set as the last date for filing nominations. The BJP's Central Election Committee has approved Puri's candidature. According

Sunil Jakhar Seeks NIA Probe into Drug and Arms Smuggling Networks in Punjab

Sunil Jakhar Seeks NIA Probe into Drug and Arms Smuggling Networks in Punjab

Former Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar has written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, seeking a National Investigation Agency (NIA) probe into drug trafficking, gangster activities and international arms-smuggling networks in Punjab. In his letter, Jakhar highlighted two cases. The first relates to the seizure of 4 kg of heroin in 2023 at Nathana police station in Bathinda district. According to the investigation, the consignment had allegedly been arranged by a man identified as Harry, who was serving a 20-year sentence at Ferozepur Jail. Jakhar alleged that police officials colluded to secu

Punjab Assembly Unanimously Passes Five Resolutions on River Water Rights

Punjab Assembly Unanimously Passes Five Resolutions on River Water Rights

The Punjab Legislative Assembly on Tuesday unanimously passed five resolutions asserting the state’s rights over river waters following a debate in the House. Two additional resolutions were also passed, one moved by Cabinet Minister Harjot Singh Bains seeking the reopening of the Kartarpur Corridor and another moved by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema to continue public welfare schemes. The five resolutions related to river waters were presented by Water Resources Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal. The first resolution asserted Punjab’s historical and legal rights over the waters of the Y

Legals

Journalism code of ethics

© 2021 AKASH Broadcasting Inc.

MANAGED BY STRATWIT

useful links

Accessibility Plan

Broadcasting Notice of Consultation

BC Children's Hospital