Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa
Relief package smaller than last year: Not full-scale lockdown this time, reasons govt
BENGALURU:
Taking into account the second Covid-19 wave and the continuing curfew restrictions in Karnataka, Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa on Wednesday announced a special relief package of Rs 1,250 crore for weaker sections that have been hard-hit by the current situation.
The relief amounts offered to different sections are:
• Rs 10,000 for flower, vegetable and fruit growers for crop losses in a one-hectare area.
• Rs 3,000 to all registered auto, cab and maxi cab drivers.
• Rs 3,000 to the artiste community.
• Rs 2,000 for unorganized labourers.
• Rs 3,000 for construction workers.
• Rs 2,000 for street vendors.
The compensation amount will go directly into the bank account of the beneficiaries.
The CM also announced that BPL and APL cardholders will get one kg rice at Rs 15.
Also Read: Decision on extending statewide ‘lockdown’ on May 23: Karnataka CM https://thebengalurulive.com/decision-on-extending-statewide-lockdown-on-may-23-karnataka-cm/
To ramp up the medical infrastructure in the state, around 2,150 doctors will be appointed within three days. Also, an advance amount of Rs 50,000 will be given to all gram panchayats in the state, and this will help around 6,000 villages in managing the Covid-19 situation.
Food relief
Among other measures, 5 kg rice will be provided monthly to eligible persons under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana. The CM pointed out that free treatment is being provided to government-referred Covid-19 patients, and free meals are being provided to the poor in Indira Canteens across the state.
The CM said teachers, linemen and LPG cylinder delivery boys would be considered frontline workers and provided Covid-19 vaccination.
The CM had held a meeting on Tuesday with Finance Department officials on the implications of the relief package for the state’s exchequer.
During the first Covid wave last year, the compensation package for weaker sections was around Rs 2,500 crore. However, it was felt that since the current restrictions are not a ‘full-fledged’ lockdown like last year, all the previous beneficiaries need not be covered this time.
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