COVID-19 package covers all sectors: minister

LAHORE: Punjab Finance Minister Hashim Jawan Bakht has said that the provincial government had provided a comprehensive package to all sectors.

In a handout issued here on Saturday, he said the government had given Rs18 billion immediate tax relief for industry, Rs10 billion for social protection, Rs11.5 billion to health department and PDMA, Rs100 billion to public works projects in Annual Development Programme, one month honorarium to health workers, Shuhada package and 10,000 people to be hired on an immediate basis.

The Punjab government announced a massive Economic Stabilization and Bailout Package to support businesses and citizens being impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Punjab’s COVID-19 package has taken into account the impact of COVID-19 lockdown on businesses, citizens and healthcare workers.

The minister said that cognizance has been taken of the economic impact on businesses and people, especially those who would lose jobs as a result of COVID-19. The economic package will help the health sector and PDMA cope with the crisis with an immediate funding of Rs11.5 billion and provide social welfare coverage of Rs10 billion to more than 2.5m households with a monthly stipend of Rs 4,000 .

“Healthcare workers are our frontline warriors for this war against corona. We have announced a one month honorarium for healthcare workers.

In case, a healthcare worker loses his/her life, a Shuhada package has also been included in our COVID-19 package. Governments all over the world are struggling with this pandemic and in Punjab, we have made a concerted effort to make sure that those impacted are not left alone.

We have facilitated businesses by an immediate tax relief of Rs18 billion and dedicated Rs 100 billion for public works projects in the Annual Development Programme to generate employment,” he added.

The COVID-19 package was designed with consultation from sectoral experts, academics, development partners, DFID, SNG and other key practitioners and experts who took into account all projections and the impact of COVID-19, he added.