Arunachal Deputy CM hails stimulus package amidst COVID-19 pandemic

ITANAGAR: Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, who also holds the portfolio of Finance Minister, said that the Aatma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan will provide an opportunity to achieve economic self reliance for youths and entrepreneurs amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mein, who was addressing a press conference at the Civil Secretariat here on Friday, said that the economic package of Rs 20 lakh crore is one of the biggest economic relief announced in the world.

He said that the recent official announcement by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will go a long way in addressing the issues faced by the businesses, MSMEs, small traders, entrepreneurs, street vendors, farmers and migrant workers. It will also benefit the people of our State, Mein added.

While stressing upon the major steps for the revival of the MSME sector, Mein informed that there will be collateral free loan of Rs 3 lakh crore for MSMEs which will benefit 45 lakh units so that they can resume work and save jobs.

He said that the package basically will help the migrant labourers for employment amidst the pandemic.

Mein also informed that the State's Finance, Planning & Investment Department have constituted a high-level committee to look into the issues faced by the small business, traders, entrepreneurs of the State and to coordinate with the announcement of the Central Government under the chairmanship of State Finance Principal Secretary.

"In context to the State of Arunachal Pradesh, the hospitality sector will be affected the worst. But one should not worry much on that part as the State government will lend a helping hand to boost the hospitality sector," he added.

He said that the pandemic has taught humans to be self-reliant in such a situation in the future. He also informed to stress upon the maximum inclusion of local products in the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) to benefit the locals.

When questioned on the financial position on SDRF funds and other Central and State government projects, Mein informed that the department has sufficient funds for proposals of urgent nature, particularly emergent cases of COVID-19 management.

Earlier on May 14, the Finance, Planning & Investment Department in an order have stated that the fund can be released with the prior approval of Finance department.

Meanwhile, on the sidelines, Mein also said that the State government is taking various measures to contain the spread of the pandemic since the outbreak of the disease.

He also thanked the frontline warriors and the State media for their efforts in fighting the COVID-19 from the front.

"Till now, we have successfully contained the spread of COVID-19 in Arunachal Pradesh. Let us continue to work together in team spirit and fight this dreaded disease," he said while requesting the people to maintain social distancing norms and guidelines issued by the government from time to time while carrying out day-to-day activities.

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