NEW DELHI -- With 1.3 billion people locked down for three weeks in India to contain the spread of coronavirus, the government on Thursday announced a 1.7-trillion-rupee ($22.6 billion) welfare program for the poor that includes direct cash transfers and the provision of grains for free.
Coronavirus
India announces $23bn welfare package to combat coronavirus
Government offers cash and grains over the next three months
Indians in Kolkata adhere to social distancing rules while waiting to buy medicine during a 21-day nationwide lockdown to limit the spread of the novel coronavirus in Kolkata. © Reuters
Read Next
Latest on Coronavirus
