India’s death toll rises to 686, number of infections at 21,700

Mangalore Today News Network

New Delhi, Apr 23, 2020: India’s tally of coronavirus infections today crossed the 21,000-mark, with a total of 21,700 cases recorded so far. Of these, 16,689 are active cases and 4,324 patients have been cured or discharged. The death toll stands at 686. Union Ministry of Health Joint Secretary Luv Agarwal said twelve districts have reported no new cases in 28 days. "As of today, we have 12 districts that did not have a fresh case in the last 28 days or more. There are now 78 districts (23 states/Union Territories) that have not reported any fresh cases during the last 14 days," he said, News18.

 

The government has put on hold increase in dearness allowance for its employees as Covid-19 puts strain on the coffers. In March earlier this year, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved a 4 percent hike in dearness allowance (DA) for central government employees. The DA had been raised to 21 percent from the earlier 17 percent. An increase in dearness relief (DR) was also approved. The move will impact about 49.26 lakh central government employees and 61.17 lakh pensioners.