Parliamentary Affairs minister Pralhad Joshi said there is no shortage of essential commodities and food items in the markets. Responding to the concerns raised by leader of opposition Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury in the Lok Sabha on 20th March, the minister asked members to refrain from spreading panic in the wake of Corona Virus.

The minister said that the Prime Minister in his address to the nation last evening urged the people to take protective measures including announcement of a Financial task force to take care of concerns arising out of COVID-19.  The Congress leader demanded that the government should take note of the losses suffered by small and medium enterprises and announce a suitable financial package.

He also asked that moratoriums may be announced on loans availed by entrepreneurs till the stabilization of the economic situation. Congress members staged a walkout protesting against the stand of the government.