CWC to discuss COVID-19 situation virtually on April 17
What's the story
The Congress Working Committee (CWC) will virtually meet on April 17 to discuss the COVID-19 situation in the country, party sources said on Wednesday. "Congress president Sonia Gandhi will chair the meeting that will be attended by former party chief Rahul Gandhi, General Secretaries and other permanent invitees to the all-important body," they said. Here are more details.
Details
Congress has been critical of Modi Government's handling of pandemic
According to the sources, "The CWC will discuss the current COVID-19 situation in India and steps that need to be taken urgently to check further virus spread." Congress has been critical of the Modi Government's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. Recently, both Sonia Gandhi and Rahul had written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi asking him to expand the country's vaccination drive against COVID-19.
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CWC likely to pass resolution regarding containing spread of COVID-19
"The highest decision-making body of the Congress is also likely to pass a resolution asking the government to take effective measures to contain the spread of coronavirus and provide vaccines for all along with financial support for the poor and oppressed sections," the sources said.
Background
Rahul demanded an immediate moratorium on COVID-19 vaccine exports
Rahul on Friday wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, demanding an immediate moratorium on COVID-19 vaccine exports and opening up of the vaccination to "everyone who needs it." In the letter, Rahul also sought more say to the State Governments in vaccine procurement and distribution. Earlier, Rahul had questioned the Central Government over COVID-19 vaccines export.
Information
Provide cash to poor to tide over crisis: Sonia Gandhi
In her letter, Sonia Gandhi had requested the Prime Minister to allow emergency use of all the vaccine candidates having required clearances. The party leadership has also been demanding that the poor be provided cash to help them tide over the crisis.
Recovery Rate
Recovery rate dropped to 88.92% from 89.51% on Tuesday
India on Wednesday recorded the biggest daily jump of 1,84,372 COVID-19 cases that pushed the country's total tally to 1,38,73,825. With 1,027 new fatalities, the death toll surged to 1,72,085. Registering a steady increase for the 35th straight day, the active cases in the country increased to 13,65,704, while the national recovery rate dropped to 88.92 percent from 89.51 percent on Tuesday.