Bengaluru: Amid demands for an economic package in view of the coronavirus outbreak, senior Congress leader P Chidambaram on Monday welcomed indications that Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will announce some relief measures in the Lok Sabha.

He said these measures should include doubling of the PM-Kisan subsidy, deferring tax payment dates and cut in indirect tax rates.

The former finance minister also hoped that there would be relief measures and cash incentives offered to the poor in view of the virus threat and lockdown.

"I welcome the indication that FM Nirmala Sitharaman will announce relief measures in the Lok Sabha today.

"The relief measures should include: Doubling PM-KISAN subsidy and bringing Tenant farmers within the scheme. Deferring tax payment dates and cutting indirect taxes, especially some GST rates," he tweeted.

Chidambaram also hoped that the monthly cash transfers to the poor families would also be announced.

"Giving 10 kg of rice/wheat absolutely FREE to every family that wishes to take the food grains. Guarantees and fiscal incentives to employers who will maintain current levels of employment and wages," he said. 

Just days before UP CM Yogi Adityanath announced that his government would give Rs 1000 per person per day to both daily wagers and construction labourers in view of the financial constraints they would be forced to endure. 

The CM has also banned public celebrations of Rama Navami and has urged his people to stay indoors and follow the guidelines meticulously. 

Kerala too has announced a package to deal with the crisis. 

At the time of writing this article, the number of detected cases in India is in excess of 400 while the number of deaths stands at 8.

Globally, the numbers continue to be in lakhs while the deaths stand at 14, 717.

(With inputs from PTI)