To address financial difficulties faced by farmers, unorganised sector workers during the lockdown to curb the spread of Covid-19 second wave, the Karnataka government on Wednesday announced an economic relief package of Rs 1,250 crores.
Addressing a press conference after the meeting with Ministers and officials, Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa also announced a new scheme to provide financial assistance to all sectors, despite all financial constraints, the state government has announced an economic package to the beneficiaries.
He said that the decision on further extension of lockdown which ends on May 24, will be taken on May 23.
Under the Rs 1250 crore relief package, farmers cultivate flowers, fruits and vegetables , who incurred crop losses due to lack of demand during the lockdown period, will be paid compensation of Rs 10,000 per hectare with a cap of one hectare. He said that flower cultivating farmers will get Rs 10,000 per hectares and benefit about 20,000 spending Rs 12.73 crores. The fruit and vegetable farmers Rs 10,000 crore per hectares benefit to 69,000 farmers spending Rs 69 crores.
He said about 2.10 lakh auto and cab drivers will get Rs 3000. The registered construction workers will get Rs 3000 one time compensation. While 3.04 lakh unskilled labourers will get Rs 2000 and road side vendors also get Rs 2000 which will benefit 2.20 lakhs.
He said under the Kannada culture department, artists and drama troupes will get Rs 3000- which will benefit 16095 persons.
One-time compensation of Rs 3000 will be given to unorganised sector workers like barbers, washermen, cab drivers and auto drivers who have lost their livelihoods due to lockdown.
