Some 35 million requests have been received through text messages from those in urgent need of cash assistance. The delay is happening because the poor have to be eligible, even during a pandemic. But to receive Rs12,000 to survive in a pandemic for no fault of your own, you have to satisfy some criteria. The senders of 35 million text messages are being messaged back in labels — eligible, ineligible, or contact district administration. Supposing the 35 million sending text messages were all given Rs12,000 each instantly, no questions asked, the amount will be a mere Rs420 billion.

Source: The Express Tribune April 10, 2020 04:30 UTC