The Central government on Thursday announced a Rs1.7 lakh crore Prime Minister Gareeb Kalyan Yojana to combat the economic impact of lockdown declared to prevent spread of novel coronavirus.
Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman has announced this in press conference in New Delhi.
“We have come with a package that will immediately help those affected directly, those migrants workers, urban and rural poor. We are looking both at cash transfers as well as food security measures,” Sitharaman said.
“Under Pradhanmantri Garib Kalyan Yojana, 5 kg rice or wheat will be given for free for the next three months. Besides, 1 kg pulse available regionally will also be given for free to 80 crore people,” the minister said.
She said the government will contribute 12% from the employee and employer side to the PF, for firms having less than 100 employees.
The finance minister announced that women self help groups can now avail collateral free loans up to Rs 20 lakh. Earlier the limit used to Rs 10 lakh.
She said the Centre has asked states to utilise Rs 31,000 crore fund to benefit construction workers to benefit 3.5 crore such workers.
In the PM Garib Kalyan Yojna the Finance Minister announced that Ujjwala beneficiaries will get free gas cylinders for thee months.
“Senior citizens, widows, and Divyangs to get one-time additional payment of Rs 1000 in two installments for the next three months. This is expected to benefit 3 crore such people under Direct Benefit Transfer,” she added.
Sitharaman announced Rs 50 lakh medical cover per person for the government’s sanitation workers, ASHA workers, doctors, paramedics, others, if they need it.