COVID-19: Odisha CM announces Rs 2,200-cr package for the poor

In the backdrop of coronavirus outbreak and subsequent lockdown, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Friday announced Rs 2200 crore package for the welfare of the weaker section of the society. The economic package will focus on food security, social security, and welfare of construction workers in the state.

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Friday announced a relief package of Rs 2,200 crore for the weaker sections of society in view of the lockdown to fight COVID-19 outbreak.

All 94 lakh families covered under the food security schemes will be provided with an assistance of Rs 1,000 each. An amount of Rs 940 crore will be spent in this regard, said the Chief Minister.

The government announced to provide advance three-month ration to the beneficiaries.

Similarly, 48 lakh beneficiaries of social security schemes in the state will receive allowance of four months in advance and an amount of Rs 932 crore will be spent for the purpose, said Patnaik.

Patnaik announced that 22 lakh construction workers will be provided with an assistance of Rs 1,500 each and Rs 330 crore will be spent on this account.

IANS report