Nirmala Sitharaman dealing with journalism conference on Thursday.
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Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday announced a Rs. 1.70 lakh crore plan which is most likely to advantage 80 crore people.
In her 2nd media conference in a week, Ms. Sitharaman revealed a slew of well-being decisions as the country is under lockdown due to COVID-19 pandemic.
Here are the highlights from her speech:
- The Financing Minister revealed 1.70 lakh crore plan Pradhan Mantri Gareeb Kalyan Yojana, targetting 80 crore people.
- Under the scheme, for next 3 months, everyone will get additional 5 kg wheat or rice for free, in addition to 5 kg monthly currently provided under PDS. One kg of pulses will be offered per home, according to regional choices.
- Money transfers, based on direct advantage transfer, will be given to farmers, MGNREGA employees, bad widows, pensioners and disabled individuals, women with Jan Dhan Yojana accounts, ladies recipients under Ujjwala scheme, females self-help groups, organised sector workers, building and construction employees, district mineral fund.
- The first instalment of PM-KISAN for 2020-21, which is 2,000, will be given in April itself. As lots of as 8.69 crore farmers are likely to get immediate benefit.
- The salaries of MGNREGA employees has actually been increased from Rs. 182 to202 each day. This will benefit 5 crore families, and will lead to an additional 2,000 given per employee. Social distancing standards should be followed at MGNREGA worksites during this duration.
- For bad pensioners, widows and handicapped, govt will give ex-gratia, one time amount of 1,000 in two instalmen