THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: As per the first phase estimation, Kerala's economic loss during the lockdown would be about Rs 80,000 crores, CM Vijayan said. If the situation doesn't get better, the loss will be even higher. The pay loss of 83.30 lakhs self-employed and casual workers will be Rs 14,000 crores. The hotel and restaurant sector suffered a loss of Rs 20,000 crores. There were significant lay off in fisheries and the IT sector.

The CM has asked the PM to give special consideration to small scale enterprises that lost income.

The central government should support them through an economic package. Loans up to Rs 5 lakhs should be allowed and the interest for the loans should be waived off by the centre. There should be a national level income support scheme for those working in the unorganized sector. Interest rates of the current loans should be relaxed by 50 percentage. EPF limit should be raised to 25,000 from 15,000, the CM told the centre.

The chief minister has also asked the centre to ensure the supply of grains and pulses to the states.