Why meagre Covid-19 fund allocation for Tamil Nadu, asks Madras high court – Times of India

CHENNAI: Wondering why the Union government has allotted only Rs 510 crore to Tamil Nadu, which is ranked second in terms of number of persons affected with Covid-19, and more funds to states with lesser Covid-19 positive cases, the Madras high court said the Centre may consider increasing the aid.
“In the opinion of this court, the fund allotment (to Tamil Nadu) is not adequate, whereas states which have got lesser number of virus infected patients have been allotted more fund. This court is not against the allotment of more funds to other states, but is concerned about Tamil Nadu getting lesser fund. Therefore, the Central government may positively consider increasing the amount,” a special bench of Justice N Kirubakaran and Justice R Hemalatha said on Wednesday.
The bench made the observation on the plea moved by NGO — India Awake for Transparency — seeking direction to the state to ensure 100% Covid-19 testing of all persons who were exempt from the lockdown and were performing services involving public contact.
When the plea came up for hearing, additional advocate-general PH Arvindh Pandian said he would file a status report after taking instructions from the authorities concerned.
Recording the same, the bench said: “Even though Tamil Nadu has got more Covid-19 positive patients, it is stated that their family members and friends have not come forward to subject themselves for test as well as for quarantining. The pandemic spreads like a wildfire. It would not only affect the individual but also affect their family members, relatives, friends and even the whole of village or town.” Therefore, this court appeals to the persons who have travelled abroad in the recent times, their family members and friends to subject themselves voluntarily for testing and quarantining, as the same would enable the pandemic to be controlled in the interest of the public, the court added.

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