By Bizodisha Bureau, Bhubaneswar, March 27, 2020: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Friday announced a ₹2,200-crore package for the weaker sections of the society whose livelihoods have been hit following the lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Under the food security programme, financial assistance of ₹1,000 each will be provided to 94 lakh beneficiary families. About ₹940 crore will be spent for this purpose. Besides, advance ration for three months is being provided to these families under the food security programme.

Patnaik also announced pension for four months in advance to 48 lakh beneficiaries under social security schemes at an estimated expenditure of ₹932 crore.

The state government also will pay ₹1,500 each to 22 lakh construction workers.
A sum of ₹330 crore will be spent for the purpose.

In a video message, Patnaik once again appeled the people to stay home to protect themselves from COVID-19.