May 1: The government has announced further relief programmes for the sectors and individuals affected by the lockdown extension. The second phase of relief packages were announced by Government Spokesperson Dr Yuba Raj Khatiwada during a press conference on Thursday (April 30).

Under the package, the government has decided to provide easy loans to the companies struggling to pay the workers while there is provision the formal sector to pay just 50 percent salary to the employees for the month of Baishakh (mid-April to mid-May). The government has also extended the time period for payment of tax to give respite to the public during the lockdown imposed to contain the spread of coronavirus.

Likewise, the government has also pledged to ensure minimum wage to the informal sector workers. The daily wage workers who have lost their jobs due to the lockdown would be deployed in construction works at all three levels of government, informed minister Khatiwada.

According to the minister, the local levels will determine the wages. There is a provision of providing them with food instead of money.  

A decision to this effect was taken by the cabinet meeting on April 26, informed Khatiwada. However, those people who prefer not the get involved in the construction works but still shop up for the relief would be provided only 25 percent of the remuneration provided to those who get involved in the government scheme.

Considering the suggestion given by the private sector, the government has agreed to allow the formal sector pay only 50 percent of salary to the staffers for the month of Baishakh (mid-April to mid-March). The employers can pay the remaining amount after resuming work.

The government has also announced providing easy loans to the companies struggling to pay the workers.

Meanwhile, the government has extended the deadline of payment of tax by one month. The taxpayers can now pay the taxes without being fined till June 7. Likewise, the government has also extended the deadline for renewal of route permits and blue books of vehicles. Minister Khatiwada said that the government will exempt fine if the vehicle owners are not able to renew their license on the stipulated date due to the lockdown.

The Food Management and Trading Company and the Salt Trading Corporation will be providing 10 percent discount on daily essentials throughout the lockdown period, the minister further said.

According to Khatiwada, the government has also decided to purchase food products directly from the farmers.

The government took such decision considering the difficulty faced by the farmers to transport their produce to the market due to the lockdown. Likewise, the government will also foot the bill of 25 percent charge for transporting food products to the market.