ECC approves Rs1.2 trillion for Corona Relief Package

ISLAMABAD (92 News) – The Economic Coordination Council (ECC) on Monday approved the Rs1,200 billion Corona Relief Package. The meeting presided over by Adviser to Prime Minister on Finance Hafeez Shaikh discussed a one-point agenda. According to sources, the ECC allocated an amount of Rs200 billion for daily wagers. An amount of Rs50 billion has been allocated for utility stores, while a sum of Rs70 has been reserved for POL products. The forum also decided to allocate Rs150 billion for the Ehsas Program. An amount of Rs110 billion has been earmarked for the relief on gas and electricity bills. The council allocated Rs144 billion for 10.2 million needy families. “A sum of Rs100 has been allocated for the Small and Medium Enterprises, while Rs200 billion has been reserved for the purchase of wheat." The ECC was briefed SBP is working on payment of claims worth Rs. 49 billion out of which around 40 billion will be paid by June 2020. The ECC approved supplementary grant of Rs 6 billion for Pakistan Railways to meet its expenses. Pakistan Railways has suspended its passenger train services around the country since March 19. The approved amount shall be utilized for paying salaries to 70,000 employees, repairs, paying for utilities and performing disinfectant sprays on platforms and inside trains for proving safe journey to the passengers. Currently Pakistan Railways is earning only 1/6th of its monthly income through coal freight and the rest is suspended.