Amid the nationwide lockdown and the dark hour of crisis, Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana is proving helpful for farmers, workers and daily wage earners. Following Modi’s call for ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ mission, the government has taken some special initiatives to boost India’s Agri sector and farmer’s welfare. As per reports, around 41 crore poor people has received financial assistance of Rs 52,608 crore under the PM Garib Kalyan Yojana so far. Moreover, the government claims the deposit of Rs. 34,800 under PMGKY to the accounts of 39 crore poor people of the country who are suffering from this pandemic. This amount has been deposited directly into people's account, says official.
The government is trying to help the poor, who have faced livelihood crisis due to the closure of the work due to the lockdown. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has announced an economic package of Rs 1.70 lakh crore for poor people under PM Garib Kalyan Yojana on 26th March.
Two-Way Advantage of PMGKY
As part of the scheme, the central government has planned to deposit money in the accounts along with free grain distribution for the poor, farmers and women. According to the data released by the Ministry of Finance, Rs 16,394 crore has been deposited under the first installment of PM-KISAN till 5th May, 2020. Under this scheme of farmers, Rs 2,000 has been deposited in the accounts of 8.19 crore beneficiaries.
Rs 40,000 crore increase in allocation for MGNREGS to provide employment boost
The Government will now allocate an additional Rs 40,000 crore under MGNREGS. It will help generate nearly 300 crore person-days in total addressing the need for more work including returning migrant workers in Monsoon season as well. Creation of a larger number of durable and livelihood assets including water conservation assets will boost the rural economy through higher production.
Additional Annual Benefit of Rs 2,000 under MNREGA
The government has increased the amount to be paid to the laborers employed under the MNREGA scheme by bringing Rs 2000. It was recently announced. This assistance has also gone under the Prime Minister's Poor Welfare Package (PMGKP). According to the notification, MNREGA wages have been increased by Rs 20 from April 1, 2020. This will provide an additional annual benefit of Rs 2,000 to the workers.
Distribution of Free Food Grains, Cash Payment to Women and Poor Senior Citizens and Farmers under PMGKP
As part of the Rs 1.70 lakh crore PMGKP, the Government announced the distribution of free food grains, cash payment to women and poor senior citizens and farmers etc. The swift implementation of the package is being continuously monitored.
In addition, 84 lakh metric tonnes of food grains has been lifted by States and also more than 3.5 lakh metric tonnes of pulses has been dispatched to various States.
Rs. 500 per Month in Women's Jan Dhan Account
Rs. 500 is being deposited every month in the Jan Dhan Account of women only under the PMGKY scheme. The government has deposited the instalment twice.
Sitharaman said that in order to prove the resolve of Aatma Nirbhar Bharat, land, labour, liquidity and laws have all been emphasised in Aatma Nirbhar Bharat Package. The crisis and the challenge is an opportunity to build a self-reliant India.
