Himachal Pradesh Ministers, MLAs To Take 30 Per Cent Pay Cut In Fight Against Coronavirus Pandemic

With an aim to combat the novel coronavirus outbreak in the state, Himachal Pradesh cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur on Tuesday decided to cut the salaries of Ministers, MLAs, Chairman and Vice chairmen in different boards and corporations by 30 per cent for one year. Also, the state cabinet suspended MLA funds for the next two years. The amount will be deposited in the COVID-19 fund of the state government.

Earlier today, 4 Tablighi Jamaat members who attended a religious congregation in Delhi's Nizamuddin tested positive for coronavirus in Himachal Pradesh. As of now, the total number of COVID-19 cases in the state rose to 19.

“Eleven COVID-19 patients were being treated in the state and all of them had attended the Tablighi Jamaat congregation. Two of the total cases have recovered, two died and four patients voluntarily shifted to a private hospital outside Himachal Pradesh,” PTI quoted a health department official as saying.

The death count in India has reached 114 due to the outbreak of novel coronavirus in the country. According to the latest update, as many as 4,421 cases of coronavirus has been reported in India so far.

On Monday, the Union Cabinet chaired by PM Modi cleared an ordinance to cut salaries of MPs and ministers by 30 per cent for one year. Also, the cabinet suspended the funds allocated under MP local area development scheme (MPLADS) for two years which stands around Rs 7,900 crore. The amount will be transferred into the government's consolidated fund. In the meantime, President Ram Nath Kovind, Vice President Venkaiah Naidu and governors offered to take the 30 per cent cut in salaries.

Also Read: Coronavirus Outbreak: COVID-19 Cases Rise To 4,421 In India; 354 Reported Since Monday, Says Health Ministry

Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha had earlier announced the salary cut for state employees to fight COVID-19.

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