‘Saving lives biggest concern, our economic parameters are decent’

CHANDIGARH: Haryana deputy chief minister Dushyant Chautala who holds the charge of key portfolios like excise and taxation, food, civil supplies and consumer affairs, revenue and labour tells HT in an interview that he hopes for normalcy in terms of economic slowdown to be restored in a fortnight, after the lockdown ends.

How will the coronavirus outbreak impact the state?

The biggest concern is to save lives. The only way out is lockdown and social distancing. So far, Haryana has done well. The global economy has been hit. Our economic parameters are decent. Hard working people of the state will get over this adverse phase.

Any estimates on revenue loss due to the lockdown?

The financial year started from April 1 and the lockdown will end on April 14. Hopefully, normalcy will be restored within 15 days of the end of the lockdown. Revenue collection for April should be viewed, along with the savings for the state, during the lockdown.

What is your preparedness to tackle spurt in cases?

We have asked for more ventilators and made provision for dedicated Covid hospitals. We are geared up in terms of safety equipment for health staff and medics. We are also supporting Delhi, Chandigarh and other states in terms of medical safety equipment.

What are your plans to tackle food grain procurement, already deferred?

Procurement dates for both mustard (April 15) and wheat (April 20) have been deferred. We are working to stagger the purchase process.

The non-availability, migration of labour and rush of farmers will be a cause of concern?

Even as we are requesting migrant labourers to stay back, we have also asked the Centre to include manual farm work like harvesting as a permissible activity under the MNREGS, as it provides at least

100 days of guaranteed wage employment.

The state is seeking support for farmers from the Centre for staggered procurement. Will the state foot the bill, if the

Centre does not agree?

Our proposal is to provide bonus of up to Rs 125 per quintal to farmers for this. If the Centre does not agree, then the state government will find a solution.

Your take on the large number of persons attending Tablighi Jaamat gathering in Delhi?

Over 1,300 such people have been quarantined. Police are tracking those who have not returned to the state.

I am confident that hard working residents of state will get over this adverse phase.