COVID-19 lockdown: J&K LG approves series of support measures for poor and needy

Jammu and Kashmir government on Wednesday approved a series of proposals to provide financial support to 35 lakh needy people in wake of lockdown to prevent spre of COVID-19. 

Lieutenant Goverr (LG) G C Murmu approved a series of proposals to provide support to needy and destitute, an official spokesman said.

move is expected to benefit nearly 35 lakh people, including organised and un-organised workers, daily wrs and pension holders, he said.

LG directed labour and employment department to release Rs 1,000 to each of 3.5 lakh workers registered with Building and Or Construction Workers Welfare Board for purchase of ration during 21-day lockdown period imposed by Centre across country. 

department was also directed to ask Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) to ensure that all 2.26 lakh urganised sector workers registered under ESIC scheme are extended with relief and compensation including ws through ESIC hospitals and employers as directed by Centre, spokesman said. 

social welfare department has been directed to immediately release two instalments of old , disability and family pension to all 7.7 lakh pensioners, he said.

department will also ditionally cover 1.7 lakh pending cases reby ensuring 100 per cent cover of all eligible cases, spokesman said. 

LG also directed finance department to request banks to hour requests for overdraft by Jan Dhan account holders, he said. 

This decision will help nearly 22 lakh Jan Dhan account holders, spokesman said.

In a major relief to contractors, it was directed that bills for all authorised works and approved procurements which could t be presented before March 31 due to ongoing situation would be entertained in next financial year as well, he said.

se decisions were in dition to those alrey taken on Tuesday by ministrative council under chairmanship of Lt Goverr whereby a number of relief measures, including two-month ration under PDS, one month's vance ration under Mid-Day Meal and Rs 45 crores for manment of COVID-19 under Disaster Response Fund, h been approved.