NEW DELHI: In light of the rapid spread of the coronavirus in the country, CPM chief Sitaram Yechury on Monday wrote to PM Modi , asking him to withdraw a government order permitting only testing kits approved by the US FDA and European EC to be used for testing the coronavirus infected people in India.Batting for stepping up testing in order to check the spread of the virus, Yechury said, “During such lockdowns, it is imperative to scale up the testing of people particularly those with declared symptoms ... All testing kits approved by the National Institute of Virology must be utilized.”The CPM chief also expressed surprise that the government had by allowing only those testing kits approved by the US FDA and European EC, “permitted only one manufacturer in Gujarat who produces such kits”. “In view of the gravity of the situation, this circular must be withdrawn and all kits approved by the NIV must be deployed for use, urgently,” Yechury said.The Left leader also demanded an urgent transfer of at least Rs 5,000 into Jan Dhan accounts of BPL beneficiaries and the distribution of ration kits to families of children who benefitted from mid-day meal schemes to prevent people from facing dire circumstances. He also said all BPL and APL families should be given free rations through PDS for a month.“Many countries have announced that the government will guarantee the payment of at least 80% of salaries being drawn by workers unable to attend work. Government of India should do likewise ... the Central government must set aside separate funds for a substantial package to save the lives and livelihood of crores of people,” Yechury said, adding that this is the time to use resources to save lives and not be preoccupied by concerns to maintain fiscal discipline.