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Applications
The Druk Gyalpo’s Relief Kidu was launched on 14 April 2020 to provide income support to individuals whose livelihoods were affected because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
33,829 applications were received in Phase I (April – June 2020). The majority of the applicants i.e. around 34% was from the tourism sector, followed by 14% from the transport and communication sector, 12% from retail and 9% from restaurant and food services.
Over 30,000 applications were received in Phase II (July – September 2020), out of which, 74% were re-applicants from Phase I.
In total, over 41,000 applications were received between April and September 2020, of which 54% were male and 46% were female. The majority of the applicants i.e. around 26% were in the 25-29 year age group followed by 23% in the 20-24 year age group. 24% have a higher secondary education level 20% with middle secondary education level.
Kidu Beneficiaries
In the Phase I, 74% of the applicants i.e. 25,126 received Kidu, of which 55% were male and 45% were female. 13,314 children were also covered under the child support Kidu of additional Nu.800 per child per month. Including child support Kidu of Nu. 27 million, a total amount of Nu. 680 million was granted to 25,126 beneficiaries.
In the Phase II, over 27,000 applicants received Kidu, of which 53% were male and 47% were female. Over 6,000 children were also covered under the child support Kidu. Including child support Kidu of Nu.14 million, around Nu. 500 million was granted in Phase II.
In total, Nu.1.2 billion was granted to over 33,000 beneficiaries and over 14,000 children in the last six months.
Over the course of Phase I, 3,099 applicants withdrew from the Kidu while 86 applicants withdrew over the course of Phase II, with most of the applicants withdrawing after having found alternative employment.
The Kidu amount was revised from Nu. 12,000 and Nu. 8,000 in Phase I to Nu. 10,000 and Nu. 7,000 in Phase II. Kidu will continue to be granted at Nu. 10,000 and Nu. 7,000 for Phase III.