A Congress member in Lok Sabha on
Friday demanded that the government immediately roll back the hike in excise duty on petrol and diesel.
Raising the issue during the Zero Hour, Hibi Eden (INC) said livelihood of people is at stake due to outbreak of coronavirus and the government has hiked the duty.
He said whenever the BJP comes to power, they increase the excise duty on diesel and petrol.
"I urge government to reduce the duty and immediately withdraw the decision," he said, adding crude oil prices have dipped significantly and the government is not passing the benefit to people.
He also demanded inclusion of petrol and diesel under the purview of the Goods and Services Tax (GST).
H Vasanthakumar (INC) said as coronavirus has impacted businesses, the government should provide a reasonable time for repayment of loans.
He also asked for waiver of GST till the "disaster" is over.
K Veeraswamy (DMK) demanded the government take steps for the welfare of students stranded in the Philippines on account of COVID 19.
He said embassies should be directed to ensure that students do not face any problem including financial as their colleges and hostels are closed.
Shankar Lalwani (BJP) said the government should take steps for the one crore Sindhi community of the country.
He demanded setting up of a Sindhi Welfare Board, an academy on their arts and culture, a TV channel in Sindhi language, and a Sindhi university.
Prameet Kaur (INC) demanded that steps should be taken for poor labourers, auto and rickshaw drivers as they are facing issues on account of coronavirus outbreak.
She suggested financial assistance to them for the next two months.
K Kanimozhi (DMK) too said that 80 per cent of the work force is in the informal sector and people like cab drivers and agri workers have been hit by the virus outbreak.
"I urge government to take into account the plight of these people to protect their livelihood," she said.
A Chellakumar (INC) raised the issue of "unresolved" problems of 64 lakh EPS pensioners.
He said they should be given Rs 9000 and DA as suggested by a committee.
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