Coronavirus pandemic has been affecting people’s lives and livelihoods since the beginning. The recently concluded countrywide lockdown to curb the virus has again hit the marginal income group of our society. They are always the prime victims of this pandemic. The day labourers, tea-cigarette sellers, and more other people who depend on daily works for their earnings are the ones who are suffering the most. The pandemic has made it very difficult for them to find work and earn money.
According to a report published in this daily on Thursday, central bank has launched a Tk500crore re-financing scheme this week to help assuage the low-income people from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. They will be able to take a loan of up to Tk5 lakh without collateral. The maximum interest rate on this loan will be seven percent.
The government should make sure that no
irregularities and manipulation take place in
making the authentic list of vulnerable groups
The government should make sure that the loan reaches those who are truly in need of it rather than some ill-motivated people who are taking advantage of this and using the loan incentives on their use. With strict monitoring, the government should make sure that no irregularities and manipulation take place in making the authentic list of vulnerable groups. The loan procedure should also be less complex.
The government, however, needs to do more to reduce the suffering of these people. Under the current scenario, these unfortunate and marginal people, who are struggling to earn money, should be immediately be provided with food and cash assistance. They cannot just sit at home and starve. The prosperous people of our society should also come forward and provide assistance to them as much as possible.
