New Delhi: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman today announced eight sets of economic relief measures, including one on health infrastructure, amid the ongoing Covid pandemic. As part of the measures, the Central government announced 1.1 lakh crore Loan Guarantee Scheme for Covid affected sector, including Rs 50,000 crore for Health Sector. Enlarging the scope of the Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS), the Central government announced additional 1.5 lakh crore. The scheme was launched as part of Atma Nirbhar Bharat package in May, 2020.
Under the 1.1 lakh crore Loan Guarantee Scheme for Coronavirus affected sector, Rs 50,000 crore coverage for health sector, aimed at upscaling medical infrastructure targeting underserved areas, Rs 60,000 crore for other sectors, the Ministry of Finance said.
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“Credit Guarantee Scheme launched to provide loans to small borrowers, via Micro Finance Institutions. Maximum loan to individual is 1.25 lakh, interest rate 2 per cent below RBI prescribed rate. Focus on new loans, stressed borrowers except NPAs to be covered. Loan duration is 3 years,” FM Sitharaman said.
Once tourist visa issuance is resumed, first 5 lakh tourist visas to be issued totally free of charge. Will apply till 31 March 2022 or till the first 5 lakh tourist visas get covered, whichever is earlier. One tourist can avail benefit only once, FM Sitharaman said.
“Aatma Nirbhar Bharat Rozgar Yojana was launched to incentivize job creation and restoration has now been extended from June 30 2021 to 31 March 2022. More than 21.4 lakh people of nearly 80,000 establishments have already benefited from the scheme,” FM Sitharaman said.
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“Rs. 23,220 Crore for public health, with a sharp focus on child & paediatric care. The Amount to be spent in this financial year itself. This Will include HR augmentation to rope in medical students, nurses; strengthening of infra like ICU beds, ambulances, O2 supply, equipment, medicines,” FM Sitharaman said.
Twenty one Climate-resilient and bio-fortified special varieties of crops will be released by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). This is being done to fight malnutrition and improve farmers’ income, said FM Nirmala Sitharaman.
