Karnataka announces 1610 crore relief package to labourers in unorganised sector

Bengaluru: Karnataka government on Wednesday has announced Rs 1610 crore package for people in unorganized sectors, who are hit by over 40 days lockdown.

Speaking to reporters here on Wednesday, Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa said that the people under unorganized sectors like flower growers, fruit and vegetable growers, weavers,washermen, barbers and construction laborers would be provided cash benefits to the tune if Rs 5000, which would be deposited to their bank accounts. Even the taxi and auto rickshaw drivers also have been brought under same category and the benefits would be extended to them also.

"Due to lockdown, the state financial situation is in bad shape. However, large number of people in all sectors re suffering due to lockdown and loss of business. The government has managed to announce a relief package, after consulting the Finance department," he said.

Since lockdown, temples, marriages and other functions have been stopped, resulting in fall of flower market. Though state had witnessed bumper crop of fruits and vegetables, lockdown affected transportation to market. While the government has decided to pay Rs 25000 per hectare to flower growers, modalities of compensation to fruit and vegetable growers is being worked out, he said.

Meanwhile, Small and Medium Enterprises were one of the worst hit. The government has decided to waive off minimum demand charge for electricity for them. Besides, for large industries, the government had deferred payment if minimum demand bill of last two months till June, he added.

Besides, 11.5 lakh registered construction laborers, 60 thousand washermen, 2.3 lakh barbers, 7.5 lakh auto rickshaw and taxi drivers would receive Rs 5000 to their accounts, he added.