Prime Minister Dr Lotay Tshering launched the Druk Gyalpo’s Relief Kidu for those directly affected by the COVID- 19 pandemic in Thimphu today. With the launch, affected individuals can now apply online for the Relief Kidu and can also call the toll-free number 1188 for further assistance.
Officially launching the Druk Gyalpo’s Relief Kidu earlier today, Prime Minister Dr Lotay Tshering said the Druk Gyalpo’s Relief Kidu will cover all individuals who have been directly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The main motive behind coming up with the Druk Gyalpo’s Relief Kidu is the deep concern of His Majesty the King for those who have been directly affected by the pandemic. Many Bhutanese have lost their jobs and are finding it hard to sustain their family,” said Dr Lotay Tshering, the Prime Minister.
People who have been laid off or placed on unpaid leave from business affected by COVID 19 including Bhutanese who have returned home and do not have any source of income are eligible to apply for the kidu. Likewise, employees on reduced salary and self-employed individuals who have lost their earnings either partially or completely are also eligible for the Kidu.
However, employees on reduced salaries and self-employed individuals like taxi drivers, truck drivers and free-lance guides who have lost their earning partially will only be eligible for 50% of the total kidu amount.
“Upon receiving the applications, the committee will review it and if found to be eligible to receive the Kidu, the person will be notified through SMS. Since there can be a possibility of a huge number of affected people applying for the Kidu, we will try and provide them with the Kidu amount within a week’s time or 9 to 10 days,” said Dasho Sonam Kinga (PhD), a Committee Member of the Druk Gyalpo’s Relief Kidu.
The relief Kidu will be directly deposited to the respective personal saving accounts of the beneficiaries. And for beneficiaries without any personal saving accounts, the relief kidu will be disbursed through the Dzongkhag Administration.
The Kidu will be available for the months of April, May and June. However, Kidu amount has not been finalised yet. Meanwhile, if an applicant does not fit the eligibility criteria the applicant can call the toll free number 1188 where their details will be recorded for further review by the committee.
Passang Dorji/ Tshering Dhendup
