FM's proposals aimed at protecting loss of livelihood; delivery will be key

The outlay is to be Rs 1.7 trillion - around 0.75% of gross domestic product (GDP) and can be taken to be a fiscal stimulus

The Finance Minister’s package announced on Thursday must be viewed as the second in the series of measures to be announced by the government to address the negative impact of the Covid-19 virus. The first announced was in the area of compliances regarding time lines, which were relaxed by three months to June. The same is being done now for the poor in what can be called the second package, which is again looking at a three-month horizon.

The outlay is to be Rs 1.7 trillion - around 0.75% of gross domestic product (GDP) and can be taken to be