India is preparing a stimulus package for sectors worst affected by a deadly coronavirus wave, aiming to support an economy struggling with a slew of localized lockdowns, people familiar with the matter said. The finance ministry is working on proposals to bolster the tourism, aviation and hospitality industries, along with small and medium-sized companies, the people said, asking not to be identified as the deliberations are private. A finance ministry spokesman declined to comment. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who said last month she’s monitoring the economy in a “very detailed fashion," has held discussions with economists in recent days about a stimulus package, the people said. In April, the finance ministry eased rules for capital expenditure by government departments to try to boost spending in the economy.

Source: Mint May 25, 2021 06:25 UTC