PM announces extension of Pradhan Mantri Gareeb Kalyan Anna Yojana till November

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced free food grains to 80 crore people across the country for five more months. The Prime Minister Gareeb Kalyan Anna Yojana has been extended till the end of November this year.

Under the scheme announced in the wake of COVID- 19 pandemic, 5 kg free wheat or rice along with 1 kg whole chana will be provided to each member of a family per month. Its extension will cost over 90 thousand crore rupees.

Addressing the nation last evening, Mr. Modi noted that in the last three months, 31 thousand crore rupees have been transferred to the Jan Dhan accounts of almost 20 crore poor families,18 thousand crore rupees have been transferred to the bank accounts of more than 9 crore farmers and 50 thousand crore rupees are being spent on PM Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyaan, which has been started to provide employment opportunities.

He stressed that the country is moving towards the institution of ‘one nation, one ration card’, which will be of immense benefit to the poor who travel to other states in search of work.

Mr. Modi said, if one looks at the death rate due to corona, India is still in a very stable situation as compared to other countries. The Prime Minister added that timely measures like lockdown have saved many lives.

Mr. Modi, however, said ever since unlock one started, people have shown negligence. He urged them to take all necessary precautions for fighting the novel Coronavirus. He also said, regulations need to be followed with the same seriousness as during Lockdown, especially in the Containment Zones.

 The Prime Minister added that people must maintain discipline and those not following the rules, need to be stopped and made aware. He warned that nobody is above the rule.

Mr. Modi also hailed farmers and honest tax payers for their contribution in making the welfare scheme successful. The Prime Minister said that in the coming times, the government will continue to take further steps to empower the poor and the needy. Economic activities will also be enhanced, with due precautions in place.

 He reiterated the pledge to work towards Atma nirbhar Bharat and to be vocal for local, while also asking people to be careful, use mask and face cover and continue following the mantra of maintaining do gaz doori.

 Mr. Modi said, the country is entering in Unlock 2 and the season of cough, fever and cold is also about to start and in such a situation the countrymen should take care of themselves.