CM announces financial aid for the needy

Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, on Tuesday, April 13, 2021, announced a 15-day curfew across the state. This will be applicable from 8 pm on Wednesday, April 14, 2021, and with this the government aims to break the chain of coronavirus infection. Sec 144 has been imposed until May 1, 2021, whereby only essential services will be allowed during the specified time. 

While making this announcement, the Chief Minister has announced a financial package of INR 5,476 crore which will benefit some sections of the society. He interacted with the people through social media and mentioned that 3 kg wheat, 2 kg rice will be provided at no cost, under the food security scheme, with an aim to offer assistance in these tough times.

With this, a total of 7 crore be benefited with service, for the next month. Moreover, the Shiva Bhojan Thali will be provided free of cost for the next month whereby over 2 lakh plates will be distributed daily. It is understood that the next 15 days will be difficult for many people as their livelihood will be affected, but this service will help the poor, said the Chief Minister.

Additional benefits were announced for the destitute, widows and the disabled, under which about 35 lakh beneficiaries can make the most of five government-run schemes like Sanjay Gandhi Niradhar Yojana, Shravanbal and Centrally Sponsored Indira Gandhi National Old Age Retirement Scheme, Indira Gandhi National Widow Retirement Pension, and Indira Gandhi National Disability Retirement Scheme. As per the revised policy, people will be given financial assistance of INR 1000 each for 2 months.

On the other hand, about 12 lakh registered construction workers in Maharashtra will be given a grant of INR 1500 from the funds of Maharashtra Building and Other Workers Welfare Board. Besides this, a massive fund has been provided for the welfare of 25 lakh domestic workers in the state

The CM also said that approximately five lakh registered peddlers in the state will be also given financial assistance of INR 1500 each. This amount will be credited directly to their bank account through Swanidhi Yojana. Meanwhile, more than 12 lakh licensed autorickshaw drivers across will be given financial assistance of INR 1500 each. Furthermore, 12 lakh tribal families benefiting from the Khawati scheme of the Tribal Development Department will be given financial assistance of INR 2,000 per family

The government has decided that a provision of about INR 3,300 crore has been made for district level COVID-19 planning, and the funds from this amount can be used by the District Collectors for setting up healthcare facilities for their respective districts.