K’taka govt considering relief package for people in wake of lockdown

Bengaluru: The State government is considering giving a small relief package to the poor in the State with the implementation of the 2 week-long lockdown.

Already governments in neighbouring States of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and also Delhi have announced relief packages for the poor.

Sources have informed that Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa has held discussions with officials from the Department of Finance about how much financial burden this move could incur.

Autorickshaw and taxi drivers, construction labourers, launderers and weavers might be eligible for cash assistance of Rs 5,000. While BPL cardholders could receive 5 kilograms of rice and those who have applied for the BPL and have not received it might receive 10 kilograms of rice.

It was reported that the package could cost the government about Rs 5,000 crore.

Another alternative plan being considered is to provide Rs 5,000 to all BPL cardholding families. However, it is estimated that this will cost Rs 8,000 to the exchequer.