[COVID-19] Is Atmanirbhar scheme still in place? Karnataka High Court asks Central government

The Karnataka High Court on Tuesday questioned the Central government whether the Atmanirbhar scheme was still in place, opining that many issues faced amid COVID-19 pandemic could be resolved using the scheme.

. In this regard, a Division Bench of Chief Justice Abhay Shreeniwas Oka and Justice Aravind Kumar directed the Additional Solicitor General to inform the Court by Thursday on the existence of the scheme.

. "Is the Atmanirbhar scheme still in place? If it is still there, many issues will be resolved," the Court remarked.

. Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan or Self-reliant India campaign is the vision of new India envisaged by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi to achieve self reliance on various fronts including manufacture of goods.

On May 12, 2020, the PM had announced a special economic and comprehensive package of Rs. 20 lakh crores, to fight COVID-19 pandemic.

. "ASG to place before Court if this (Atmanirbhar) scheme continues to exists. The statement to be placed before Court by Thursday," the Court directed.

. The Court was hearing a case registered suo motu after it received two letters on Covid-19 Management in the state.

. The Court was specifically dealing with the issues of food security especially for the vulnerable sections of the society amid the lockdown imposed in the State.

. The Court on Tuesday pointed out that certain sections of the society have been deprived of their income due to lockdown necessitated by COVID-19. The object of setting up schemes should be that such citizens should get food during this period.

. The other issues which were taken up during the hearing were availability of oxygen, Remdesivir, and polices excesses amid the lockdown.

."How are you going to give second dose?" Karnataka High Court quizzes government on Covid Vaccine shortage. On the issue of oxygen availabililty, the Court was apprised that Centre has increased the quantity of oxygen supplied to the State, from 965 MT to 1200 MT.

The Court, however, noted that "no document has been placed on record to show that Central govt has increased the allocation of quota of Oxygen to 1200 MT, though ASG states that compliance has been made."

. Police excesses should be avoided and people must co-operate with the government. If people not co-operating, take them to nearest police station," the Bench further opined, when advocates complained about instances of lathi charge on citizens amid the lockodwn.

. Read more about the hearing here .

[COVID-19] Is Atmanirbhar scheme still in place? Karnataka High Court asks Central government

Rintu Mariam Biju

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