SITHARAMAN ANNOUNCED RS.1.7 LAKH Crs.FOR POOR TO FIGHT CORONA
Rajesh Mohapatra,Odishabarta
ROURKELA:COVID-19 is the pandemic which has already taken 19,000 lives all over the world have gripped more than 190 countries across the globe. India is now fighting with this which is a big threat; hence, Govt. of India has come up with a package of Rs.1.7 lakh cores which was announced today by the Honble Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman this afternoon. In a press address she unfolded the entire package meant for poor under Gareeb Kalyan Yojana for 80 crore people. The highlight of all these are as follows. Under Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, each person will get additional 5 kg wheat/rice free plus I kg pulse per house hold. Under Cash Transfer based on DBT, funds will be transferred to MGNREGA workers, pensioners, poor widows and disabled people with Jan Dhan Yojana. In MGNREGA, Rs.2000/- advance payment will be made out of Rs.6000/-, they receive annually in PM-Kisan. Poor widows/divyanga/Sr.Citizen Ex-Gratia one time will get Rs.1000/- in two installments. Under Ujjwala scheme all the beneficiaries who are enrolled will get free LPG cylinders for next 3 months. All 20 crore women under Jan Dhan Yojana will get Rs.500/- for next 3 months to run their household smoothly. In organized sector, Centre will pay EPF contribution both for Employer and Employees (total-24%) for next 3 months and this benefit will go for establishment up to 100 employees of which 90% earn less than Rs.15000/- per month. A good news for employees for organized sector who have enrolled in EPFO, where the amendment will be made to allow a non-refundable advance of 75% of the amount standing to credit of the member or 3 months worth of wages whichever is lower. This benefit will help 80 lakh employees approximately. A benefit for 3.5 crore building and construction workers, where state govt. is directed by the centre to utilize Rs.31000/- crore funds in welfare fund for these workers who are facing economical disruption due to lockdown. She also advised all states to utilize funds available in district mineral fund for screening, medical testing and treatment. She also assured that banking services will be remaining intact to facilitate all the beneficiaries to withdraw monies under these schemes. All these financial assistances will come with immediate effect.
