Anthony Iwuoma
The US Senate on Wednesday passed a whopping $2 trillion aid to suffering Americans, who were hit by the effects of increasingly spreading coronavirus pandemic.
Similarly, India on Thursday announced it had commenced a 1.7 trillion rupee ($22.6 billion) economic stimulus plan to be released through direct cash transfers and food security measures.
The aim is to give relief to millions of India’s less privileged people that have been affected by the nationwide lockdown in the country to curb further spread of the covid-19.
The relief plan by the US government, which was unanimously passed by the Senate is the nation’s largest-ever rescue package.
The US has recorded over 1000 deaths, with 68,000 confirmed infections.
More outbreaks are being recorded, with the state of New York worst hit.
Defiling acrimonious party lines, Senator Chuck Schumer, a Democrat, had said before the vote:
“Let us tell them tonight that help is on the way, that they are not truly alone, that this country, that this Senate, that this government is here for them in a time of dire need.
“Let us marshal this government into action.”
The House of Representatives is now expected on Friday to pass the measure by voice vote before it goes to President Donald Trump for assent.
Barely two days after Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, ordered a 21-day nationwide lockdown, as a measure to stem the rapidly spreading covid-19, Indian Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, announced the relief package to newsmen at a press briefing.
He said: “We have come with a package, which will immediately take care of the welfare concerns of the poor and suffering workers, and those who need immediate help.”
