13.95°C Vancouver

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

man-shot-dead-inside-home-in-surreys-central-area
BCNov 13, 2026

Man Shot Dead Inside Home in Surrey's Central Area

A man has been shot and killed inside a home in Surrey's Central area. The incident occurred Thursday morning in the 10600-block of 132 Street. According to the Surrey Police Service (SPS), officers and BC Emergency Health Services were called to the residence at approximately 7:16 a.m. after receiving reports of a person suffering from gunshot wounds. First responders made every effort to save the victim, but he succumbed to his injuries at the scene. The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) has taken over the investigation. No details about the victim's identity or any potential sus
carney-reaffirms-canadas-commitment-to-protecting-ukraines-sovereignty
CanadaNov 13, 2026

Carney Reaffirms Canada's Commitment to Protecting Ukraine's Sovereignty

Prime Minister Mark Carney held key meetings with European leaders in Dublin, Ireland, on Thursday during the European Political Community summit, focusing on strengthening security and trade relations. Canada was the only non-European country participating in the summit for the second time. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also briefed Carney and other European leaders on the latest developments in ongoing peace talks with Russia. During the discussions, Carney reaffirmed Canada's full commitment to protecting Ukraine's sovereignty. The Prime Minister also emphasized the importance of
CanadaNov 13, 2026

Canada Threatens Legal Action Against Stellantis Over Funding Agreement

Canada’s federal government is threatening legal action against automaker Stellantis over an alleged breach of its funding agreement, warning that it could seek to recover hundreds of millions of dollars provided to the company. Industry Minister Mélanie Joly said the government would take Stellantis to court if it fails to meet its contractual obligations. The dispute escalated after Stellantis reached an agreement to sell its Brampton assembly plant to defence-sector company Roshel, raising concerns that more than 2,000 auto workers may lose their opportunity to return to work. On Thursda
CanadaNov 12, 2026

Canada’s Economic Recovery Expected to Remain Slow Amid Trade War, KPMG Forecasts

Canada’s economy is expected to face a slow and uneven recovery over the next two years, according to a new report by KPMG. The accounting firm’s Fall 2026 Economic Outlook forecasts that Canada’s GDP growth will remain at just 1 per cent in 2026 due to ongoing trade tensions. The report projects economic growth to improve to 1.8 per cent in 2027 and 2 per cent in 2028. KPMG noted that its forecast does not factor in any potential trade deal with the United States. However, continued consumer spending, increased investment in artificial intelligence infrastructure and a boost from the 20
b-c-premier-designate-lorne-doerkson-calls-for-immediate-halt-to-work-at-george-massey-tunnel-site
BCNov 12, 2026

B.C. Premier-Designate Lorne Doerkson Calls for Immediate Halt to Work at George Massey Tunnel Site

British Columbia Premier-designate Lorne Doerkson is taking action on the proposed new George Massey Bridge, calling on the outgoing B.C. NDP government to immediately suspend all work at the tunnel site during the transition of power. Doerkson said only work that could support the construction of a new bridge should continue at the site. He said the move is aimed at preventing unnecessary taxpayer spending, as the incoming government plans to review the possibility of replacing the existing George Massey Tunnel with a bridge. The B.C. Conservatives, who are set to take office on November 20,

Related News