Dehradun: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Wednesday announced an economic package of Rs 200 crore for people whose livelihoods are adversely affected by Covid-19 as they are associated with tourism and Chardham Yatra. Talking to the media after visiting the disaster-prone areas in Uttarkashi district, Chief Minister Dhami said that due to Covid-19, tourism activities in the state and businesses of people associated with Chardham Yatra have been adversely affected. Despite this, the state government will deposit money directly to the bank accounts of such people.
Dhami said that about Rs 200 crore has been allocated. This will benefit the tourism sector and improve the economy of the state. This will benefit about 1.64 lakh families. Dhami said that in this package businessmen engaged in various activities of tourism, who are registered with the tourism department and other departments will be given financial assistance at the rate of Rs 2000 per month for six months which will benefit 50,000 people.
Who will get how much financial help?
The Chief Minister said that under Uttarakhand Tourism, registered tour operators and adventure tour operators would be provided financial assistance of Rs 10,000, which would benefit 655 people. A total of 630 registered river guides will be given financial assistance of Rs 10,000. 93 boat operators who are registered under Tehri Lake will be provided financial assistance at the rate of Rs 10,000. He said that relaxation in license renewal fee would be provided to the businessmen registered with the tourism department that would benefit 600 people. A total of 301 registered rafting and aero sports service providers and 98 boat operators of Tehri Lake will also get exemption in license renewal fees.
Under the Transport Department, the driver, operator, and cleaner of public service vehicles will be provided financial assistance of Rs.2000 per month for a total of six months. 1,03,235 people will be benefited from this scheme. Under the urban department, a total of 549 boat operators registered in Naini, Naukuchiatal, Bhimtal, Sattal, and Sadiyatal in the Nainital district will be provided financial assistance of Rs 10,000 while boat renewal fee under Naini Lake will be exempted for 671 beneficiaries. Apart from this, interest reimbursement assistance will be provided for six months on loan for Veer Chandra Singh Garhwali and Deendayal Upadhyay Homestay Scheme under Finance Department.