From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network

Bengaluru, Jun 3: Announcing the state government’s decision to extend the lockdown restrictions across Karnataka due to end on June 7, 6 am by one more week till June 14, 6 am, chief minister B S Yediyurappa has announced the second package of relief of Rs 323 crore including payment of Rs 3,000 each to some of the uncovered sections such as unorganized workers in the film industry, fishermen, Anganwadi workers as well as power loom workers.

The total cost of the second package is Rs 323 crore. In addition, the chief minister announced another Rs 175 crore as compensation for the aided school staff and others taking the total to nearly 500 crore (Rs 323 cr plus Rs 175 cr = Rs 498 crore).

The chief minister had earlier announced the first relief and concessions package of Rs 1,250 crore to help the vulnerable sections hit by the Covid second wave granting cash payment of Rs 3,000 each to auto/taxi drivers and construction workers and Rs 2,000 each for workers in the unorganized sector.

All the lockdown restrictions presently in force will continue for another week and the Government will review the situation before taking any further decision, Yediyurappa said.

The chief minister explained that the state government has decided to extend the lockdown restrictions by another week till June 14 in order to contain the Covid pandemic even though the restrictions imposed by the state have started yielding results in bringing down the infection cases.

However, based on the advice of health experts, the state government has decided to continue the lockdown restrictions by one more week as part of the strategy to break the chain.

2 cr doses of vaccine in 2 months

Answering questions from the media, health and family welfare as well as medical education minister Dr K Sudhakar, who accompanied the chief minister, said the Centre was likely to come out with a comprehensive policy on vaccine procurement and distribution. "We are awaiting the Centre’s decision and will abide by it,’’ he said.

Dr Sudhakar said the state government is planning to distribute 58 lac doses of vaccines this month, which includes 44 lakh doses from the Centre and another 13 to 14 lac doses procured by the State Government.

"Karnataka has already given 1.28 crore doses of vaccine to people in May and the 58 lac people to be vaccinated this month will take the total to nearly 2 crore in two months. We will do our best to vaccinate all the eligible people,’’ he said.

Text of Chief Minister’s Statement:

I have already announced a relief package to some of the Covid affected sectors in society.

Today, I am announcing some more relief to other sections of society.

1. Power Loom weavers Rs. 3000 relief will be given to power loom weavers. Maximum 2 workers per power loom will get this benefit in 59,000 power looms with an expenditure of Rs 35 crore.

2. Unorganized workers of film. The industry will get Rs 3,000 relief. This will benefit 22,000 registered workers and will incur an expenditure of Rs 6.6 crore.

3. Compensation for Fisherman 18746 registered fishermen and 7668 inland boat owners will get a relief of Rs 3000. This will incur an expenditure of Rs 8 crore.

4. Priests and staffing C grade temples of the Muzrai department will be given Rs 3000 and this will incur a Rs 10.8 crore expenditure

5. Asha Workers 42,574 Asha workers will get Rs 3000 relief. This will cost Rs 12.75 crore.

6. Anganwadi Workers 64,423 Anganwadi workers and 59,169. Anganwadi helpers will get Rs 2000 relief. This will incur an expenditure of Rs 24.7 crore.

7. Milk Powder to school children. Excess Milk procured from farmers will be converted to milk powder. School children will be given half kg milk powder along with food grains for the month of June and July. This will incur a Rs 100 crore expenditure.

8. An assistance of Rs 5 crore will be given to advocates welfare fund.

9. Industry. MSME industries will be given concession for paying fixed charges for the month of May and June 2021 and for other industries payment will be extended till 30.07.2021. This will incur a Rs 120 crore expenditure.

10. Teachers of unaided schools will be given a relief of Rs 5000 each. This will amount to Rs 100 crore.