PM launches cash scheme for workers affected by pandemic.

ISLAMABAD -- Prime Minister Imran Khan launched a multi-billion Ehsaas emergency cash programme on Monday for the workers and daily wage earners badly affected by the coronavirus crisis.

The prime minister met many jobless persons and inquired about their problems during the ceremony at the Ehsaas Centre. A stipend of Rs12,000 will be given to each applicant under the emergency programme. The scheme is distinct from the Ehsaas cash programme already in operation under which Rs144 billion was allocated for 12 million families .Over Rs100bn has so far been distributed.

Dr Sania Nishtar, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Poverty Alleviation, accompanied the prime minister and briefed him on the programme.

Mr Khan ordered swift and transparent distribution of cash among the deserving workers.

Each applicant will receive Rs12,000 under the programme

He said the fund was expanding as more and more people were making generous deposits. This will enable a large number of people to benefit from the scheme.

According to the Prime Minister Office, over 3.4 million applications from jobless people have been received through the Ehsaas Labour Portal so far. Moreover, Rs3bn has been mobilised under the PM Covid-19 Fund.

The prime minister has pledged that for each rupee given by a donor, the government will make a contribution of Rs4.

On May 2, Prime Minister Khan had inaugurated the Ehsaas Labour Portal, which enables those who have lost their livelihood...