Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announces relief package for poor

New Delhi : Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday announced a relief package of around Rs 170,000 crores to deal with the impact of coronavirus disease Covid-19.

"The government has been working to reach out to women, migrant workers, and the disadvantaged section of the society. We have come out with a package that will address the concerns of these people. We are looking at two aspects: Cash transfer and food security related measures," Sitharaman said at a press conference.

"We don't want anyone to remain hungry, or without money. So we will be giving enough," she added announcing Rs 1,70,000 crore relief package for urban and rural poor.

She thanked all the frontline workers who are risking their lives to ensure the safety of people in India. 

"They could be ASHA workers, nurses, doctors. They are being referred to as ‘God in white costumes’. For them, we are providing an insurance cover of Rs 50 lakh per person,” said Sitharaman.

Earlier this week, the Finance Minister had said a package is under works and will be announced.