Govt approves Rs75 billion relief aid for labourers affected by Coronavirus

The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) has approved a Rs75 billion relief cash aid package for labourers affected by the novel Coronavirus outbreak, under which they will be provided Rs12,000 a month. 

In a meeting at the Cabinet Division on Friday, ECC had approved the Relief Cash Aid Package which was already announced by Prime Minister Imran Khan and needed only one approval from the ECC.

Earlier on May 3, PM Imran Khan had announced that funds collected through the PM’s Coronavirus Relief Fund 2020 will be used to assist labourers and daily wagers whose livelihood has been affected after the worse hit on Pakistan’s economy.

In his announcement, the premier had said that the funds shall be disbursed through the Ehsaas Emergency Cash Programme.

The budget envelop of Rs75 billion released to BISP out of the Rs200 billion earmarked in the PM’s relief package for distribution among labourers in the country will be used for this purpose.

The modalities of the disbursement are being worked out by the Finance Division, Poverty Alleviation Division and BISP.