Karnataka’s Second-Wave Relief Package Provides Rs 500 Crore Compensation For Temple Priests And Fisherfolk Among Others

Karnataka has extended its lockdown, which was earlier announced until Monday (7 June), up to 6 am on 14 June 2021.

This was done keeping in mind the prevalent cases although the hike was said to be in control post the strict measures put in place.

As he announced the extension, Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa announced a host of relief measures and compensation for people who would be hit by this extended period of inactivity.

In addition to the relief announced earlier, this Rs 500-crore package would help the poor and needy whose means of earning had been affected by the unavoidable lockdown and circumstances.

Here are the sectors that have received relief:

A one-time compensation was announced for archakas of 'C' grade temples in the state that are managed by the Department of Muzrai. At a total cost of Rs 10.8 crore, priests and staff of 'C' grade temples will be given Rs 3,000.

Capping it a maximum of two per power loom, Yediyurappa announced
Rs. 3,000 relief per power loom weaver, which is said to benefit workers in 59,000 looms in the state.

Around 22,000 registered unorganised workers of the film and television industry will get Rs 3,000 relief at a cost of Rs 6.6 crore.

A sum of Rs 8 crore has been set apart for 18,746 registered fishermen and 7,668 inland boat owners, who will get a relief of Rs 3,000 each.

Around 42,574 ASHA workers who have been the footsoldiers of the state’s efforts in curbing the pandemic will get Rs 3,000 each, while anganwadi workers and helpers will get Rs 2,000 each.

A sum of Rs 100 crore each is being spent on milk powder distribution and relief for teachers of unaided schools. Teachers of unaided schools will be given a relief of Rs. 5,000 each, while excess milk procured from farmers will be converted to milk powder and half kilo of the same will be distributed to schoolchildren along with foodgrains for the month of June and July.

An assistance of Rs 5 crore will also be given to the advocates' welfare fund.

MSME industries will be given concessions for paying fixed charges for the months of May and June 2021 and for other industries, the payment will be extended till 30 July 2021. This will incur an expenditure of Rs 120 crore.