The Bajaj Group has announced a Rs 100 crore COVID-19 pandemic relief package that aims to upgrade healthcare facilities as well as support initiatives to provide food and shelter to those in need. In addition, the company will also help those affected in rural areas by means of a special economic aid programme. This pledge of funds is crucial at a time when the nation is grappling with an unprecedented disease that threatens the health and livelihood of millions.

In an official release, Bajaj Group said that it is also working with the Indian Government, as well as its network of 200 NGOs to ensure these resources reach those who are in the need for aid.

Some of the steps that will be taken to upgrade healthcare include improving ICUs, providing Personal Protection Equipment (PPE), procuring ventilators and enhancing testing. 

Besides upgrading healthcare, Bajaj will also work with organisations to extend immediate support to daily wage workers who are facing a tough time due to temporary closure of businesses.

A large part of this economic package will be used to set-up a rural aid programme that involves a revolving fund model. In essence, families will repay the loan so that 80 percent of the funds that have been provided to a family will go back into the community for future needs.

The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a major toll on the economically backward section of the society and such relief measures are crucial. With factories, including those in the two-wheeler sector such as Bajaj, TVS and Jawa halting production amid the nationwide lockdown, economic aid packages are the need of the hour.