The Indian government works to lessen COVID-19 impact on the poorest and the most vulnerable. This is how Central and State governments are helping the poor during Coronavirus lockdown:
Central Government’s Relief Package
The Central government has earmarked an economic relief package worth Rs 1.7 lakh crore for the needy. The package would provide a safety net to the poor and meet their basic needs. Further, the central and state government will distribute five kg of rice and wheat for three months under Pradhan Mantri Gareeb Kalyan Yojana. Besides, the government has made arrangements to provide free cooking gas for 80 million households. In addition, Government will make direct cash transfers to the accounts of 204 million poor women.
Contribution of State Governments
The Karnataka government has decided to distribute free milk to the people residing in slums through urban local bodies. Also, The Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) will purchase excess milk to facilitate the distribution. Further, the government has instructed deputy commissioners of all districts to monitor procurement of vegetables, fruits from farmers and make arrangements for its sale in the urban areas.
Also, the state CM has directed the Horticulture Department to open Horticultural Producers Cooperative Marketing and Processing Societies outlets throughout the day to provide eggs and vegetables during the coronavirus lockdown period. Delhi Government announced feeding 4 lakh poor people in the State on daily basis. Elsewhere, Punjab Police started distributing food to poor people in the state.
WHO Chief Appreciates
WHO Director General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus appreciated PM Modi’s efforts to contain the Coronavirus spread. He praised the PM for announcing USD 24 billion package for the needy so that they do not go hungry amid the 21-day nationwide Coronavirus lockdown. Further, he said that many countries may struggle to implement social welfare programs up to this scale.
Criticism and Fake Promises
On the other hand, Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram regarded the central government’s approach as miserly and negligent towards the deprived. Citing the freeze on the daily wages of millions, he said that the government must immediately provide relief. He said that several sections in the society have not received even a single penny from the government yet out of many schemes they have promised.
In all, the central and state government is taking care of is its people. Nevertheless, the ineffective distribution of benefits may force the poor to hit the roads amid this widespread virus.