Goemkarponn Desk
PANAJI: The State Cabinet today approved a sanction of ₹ 20 crore towards the COVID-19 relief scheme to marginalised/ unorganised sector’, under which persons engaged in traditional occupations and unorganised sector workers hit by the pandemic are entitled to a one-time financial relief of ₹ 5,000.
Minister said that a total of 90,000 applications have been received. He said in the first phase, a total of 40,000 applicants will be provided with one time grant of Rs 5000 each within the next 15 days.
Minister said that in the upcoming Budget, the government will make provision for an additional Rs 25 cr to clear the pending 50,000 applications.
He said that no more applications under the scheme would be entertained.
The scheme introduced in July 2021 covers auto-rickshaw drivers, motorcycle pilots, taxi operators, employees under non-muster roll registered with various panchayats, and those listed under traditional occupations of the state’s social welfare department.
Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant had announced a one-time ₹ 5000 financial grant to those belonging to the marginal class and affected financially by the COVID pandemic.
Sawant said that marginal sections, especially those in traditional occupations as well as day-to-day employment, were hit hard due to the pandemic. He said that even MNAREGA workers can apply under the scheme.