New Delhi, Jun 29 (KNN) Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) Chairman Dr A Sakthivel congratulated Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for announcing Rs 6.29 lakh crore stimulus package for economic relief and growth.

“Hon’ble Finance Minister today laid out an extensive plan to protect both the economy and the lives of citizens. I sincerely thank her for the Rs 1.1 lakh crore guarantee scheme for Covid affected sectors including Rs 50,000 crore guarantee cover for the health sector,” Dr Sakthivel said after the announcement by the Minister.

Besides, the additional Rs 23,220 crore government funding earmarked for this fiscal towards improving the paediatric care in the country is the need of the hour as we get ready to face any successive waves of the pandemic, he said.

“The decisions for additional Rs 1.5 lakh crore provision for ECLGS, extension of Atmanirbhar Bharat Rozgar Yojana scheme from 30 June 2021 to 31 March 2022, and infusion of equity in Export Credit Guarantee Corporation (ECGC) over 5 years to boost merchandise export insurance cover by Rs 88,000 crore will significantly benefit the MSMEs and exporters,” the Chairman said.

Dr Sakthivel also lauded the government’s focus on improving the lot of farmers, small borrowers, guides and businesses in the tourism sector, and poor people.

“The extension of Pradhan Mantri Gareeb Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) till November 2021 will ensure that nobody goes hungry till the economy comes back in shape,” he added.

The Chairman further said that the measures announced regarding Digital India, PLI scheme, Rs 3.03 lakh crore financial assistance to DISCOMS for improving power scenario in India, and streamlining the process for PPP projects for speedy execution will encourage economic growth, exports and employment in the country.