On Monday, the finance minister Nirmala Sitaraman announced that the government has assigned an additional budget of Rs 23,220 crore that would be spent on the public health sector with a focus on children, with a focus to an emphasis on children and pediatric care.
Today, the centre has announced eight economic relief measures. Out of the eight, “Four are absolutely new, and one is specific to the health insurance,” the Finance Minister said while addressing the media. She also highlighted that Rs 50,000 crore would be allotted to the health sector and Rs 1.1 lakh crore would be credited for the guarantee scheme for the Covid-hit sector.
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An additional Rs 1.5 lakh crore would be credited under the Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS). ECLGS is announced as a part of last year’s Atmanirbhar Bharat package, the overall cap of the ECLGS has now raised funds from Rs 3 lakh crore to Rs 4.5 lakh crore.
On Monday, FM Nirmala Sitharaman further announced that the first five lakh tourist visas would be given for free after the international flight service would be resumed. This benefit would be available only once per tourist. This scheme would be applicable till March 31st, 2022 or till 5 lakh visas are issued, whichever is earlier.
Nirmala Sitharaman has also announced help for the Health Sector. FM announced coverage of 50 percent for expansion and 75 percent for new projects. Under the scheme, a maximum loan of Rs 100 crore could be granted and the duration of the loan would be up to three years.
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Finance Minister has also ensured adequate availability of medicines, equipment, ICU beds, oxygen supply at central, district and sub-district levels.
Last year, the government has announced some similar relief measures during the first wave of the Covid-19, one of which was the first stimulus package of Aatmnirbhar Bharat Yojana in May 2020.