Congress will pay 'migrants' train fare: SONIA

Congress chief Sonia Gandhi has launched a scathing attack on the Centre for charging migrant labourers returning home for their train travel in the wake of the novel coronavirus lockdown and said that the Congress will bear the cost of their travel.

Sonia Gandhi said, "The Indian National Congress has, therefore, taken a decision that every Pradesh Congress Committee shall bear the cost for the rail travel of every needy worker and migrant labourer and shall take necessary steps in this regard. This will be the Indian National Congress’ humble contribution in service of our compatriots and to stand shoulder to shoulder in solidarity with them."

Attacking the Centre over the crisis of the migrant labourers stranded in different parts of the country, she said, "But what is the responsibility of our Government? Even today, lakhs of workers and migrant labourers are languishing in different parts of the country and wish to return to their homes and families but there is neither adequate money nor provision for free transport. What is particularly disturbing is that the Central Government and the Rail Ministry are charging them for train tickets in this hour of crisis."