Development Pathways (2020) The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered a truly global shock: the necessary measures taken to control the spread of the virus have resulted in a major economic and human crisis. The crisis is unprecedented and requires unprecedented measures. By providing families with cash so that national consumption is increased, a fiscal stimulus should enable countries to lower the depth of any recession and, importantly, strengthen the speed of their economic recovery with the potential for higher economic growth.

National Provident Fund (10.08.2020) FNPF members who are on reduced hours and reduced wage rate can apply for Phase 3 commencing 10 August 2020. Government top is applicable in Phase 3 for members who have insufficient General Account balance. The amount per member is from $220 to $880 for members who are on reduced working hours/day per week depending on reduced days. The amount is $550 for members whose wage/salary rates per hour is reduced up to 50%, and $1.110 for members whose wage/salary rates per hour is reduced by more than 50%.

National Provident Fund (09.06.2020) FNPF members who have been Unemployed from 1 October 2019 or have just become Unemployed or are on Leave Without Pay can apply for Phase 2 of the COVID-19 Withdrawal Scheme commencing 9 June 2020. The amount is $1,100 (Government top up applicable) or $880 for members who received $220 on 5 June (Fully funded by Government).

Druk Gyalpo's Relief Kidu (20.07.2020) The Relief Kidu has been extended for three months, from July to September 2020. Bhutanese who have been displaced by the coronavirus pandemic and are currently residing in Bhutan are eligible for the Druk Gyalpo’s Relief Kidu. The displaced group includes those who have been laid off, placed on unpaid leave or on reduced pay from businesses as well as self-employed individuals who have lost their earnings either partially or completely. The Kidu amount has been revised to Nu. 10,000 for the full amount and Nu.