Maharashtra CM announces financial relief measures for economically weak as lockdown persists

MUMBAI: Uddhav Thackeray, the Chief Minister of Maharashtra recently announced a financial package of Rs 5,476 crore for street hawkers, daily wage workers, auto rikshaw drivers in the state as part of relief measures. He said that the state government intends to provide two lakh free Shiv Bhojan thalis, 3 kg of wheat and 2 kg of rice to seven crore beneficiaries under the food security. Under the food security scheme.

Under this programme, a sum of Rs 1500 per head would be given to construction workers registered with the State Construction Workers Welfare Board, which the government believes would benefit 12 lakh workers. Additionally, a sum of Rs 1500 per head would be given to around 5 lakh street vendors and 12 lakh rikshaw owners. Rs 2000 will be provided to tribals as financial assistance, where the total beneficiaries are 12 lakh in numbers.

Rs 3300 crore is to be left at the disposal of district collectors to strengthen healthcare infrastructure. A programme called Shiv Bhojan Thli would also be made available for free for a month. This series of financial assistance to different groups in the state will be limited to a month and will be a one-time thing.

Moreover, Rs 1000 per head will be provided under the Sanjay Gandhi Niradhar Yojana and Indira Gandhi Scheme for aged people. This scheme is expected to reach 35 beneficiaries. According to an official, the state government is trying to ensure that poor people do not suffer due to the loss of daily wages amidst the devastating second wave of coronavirus pandemic, which has prompted the government to impose strict restrictions on movement and businneses.