TheAssam Government on Monday announced that it will distribute free food grainsand pulses to the Assam returnee migrant labourers who are not covered underthe National Food Security Act or State Scheme Public Distribution System (PDS)cards at 5 kg per month for two months.

AssamFinance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma made the announcement during hisinteraction with the press in Guwahati today. The move would help migrants whohave returned amid the coronavirus-induced lockdown and do not have rationcards under any scheme of the state or Centre, the minister said.

Ina bid to ease the impact of economic distress faced by its population amid thenationwide lockdown, the Assam government has decided to pay the electricitybills on behalf of Assam Power Distribution Company Limited (APDCL) customers.

"Asthe APDCL customers haven't paid their monthly electricity bills for two months(March, April). The state government has decided to pay the bills by Centralgovt's financial aid", Himanta said.

Sarmainformed media persons that all the newly-detected COVID-19 positive patientswere under quarantine which decrease the risk of community spread in the state.

TheFinance Minister has announced today Reduction in Rates of Tax Deduction at Source(TDS) for the contractors whichaims to provide more liquidity in hands of receivers. TDS rates cut by 50%for the contractors.

Thisrelief would play a pivotal role in increasing cash flows as the beneficialrates would be available till the end of the current financial year. Thiscoupled with the release of pending refunds to all non-corporate tax payerswould fast track the revival of business and enterprises.

Themega economic package of PM Modi would benefit the MSMEs (Micro, Small andMedium Enterprises) in Assam, the minister added..