HP govt rolls out Rs 250 crore package for hotels, farmers

Shimla: Marking a breakthrough in Coronavirus spread, Himachal Pradesh government on Saturday shifted its gear to revival of the economy by rolling out a Rs 250 crore relief package for three engines of growth –agriculture, tourism and transport sectors. Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur, who held a cabinet meeting in Shimla, declared that state was just two steps away from becoming COVID-19 free.

"Today's picture is very satisfying. Now, we have just two active cases, of total 40 tested positive If there is no fresh case, Himachal Pradesh is all set to come out of the Coronavirus crisis next week," said Thakur after the meeting.

Biggest step, which the government took was extending economic relief to hotel sector waiving off demand charges on power, Rs 10 crore relief to growers of exotic vegetables and flowers –who suffered 100 percent losses, relief to

the transport sector and industry.

The government proposed launching of Mukhya Mantri Shahari Rojgar Guarantee Yojna–a scheme on the lines of MNREGA to provide 120 days assured jobs in urban towns and exploring skill upgradations of the youths, who have lost jobs, returned homes and unlikely to go back.

The cabinet took a decision to allow opening of liquor vends, which had remained closed during lockdown time.This has caused a considerable loss to the excise collections.

The school and colleges will remain closed and offices, which will open from Monday will have only 30 percent attendance.

The public transport services will remain suspended as major precautionary step against COVID -19 spread.The government, however, has enforced restrict home quarantine protocols for those returning to the state from other towns.