Finance Ministry on Tuesday revealed that more than 42 crore people received financial assistance of Rs 68820 under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana (PMGKY).
Cash Payments and Free Food Grains to Vulnerable
Recent data released by the Finance Ministry revealed disbursal of ₹17,891 crores as the first instalment of PM-KISAN. Subsequently, 8.94 crore people received ₹2,000 directly in their accounts. Further, 20.6 crore women Jan Dhan account holders received ₹30,925 crores in three monthly instalments of ₹500 each. Besides, 2.81 crore old-age individuals, widow, and differently-abled persons received ₹2,814.5 crores in their accounts.
75 crore beneficiaries received 111.6 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) of food grains during the April-June period. Similarly, 72.18 crore beneficiaries collected 36.09 LMT food grains in July. Also, 30.22 LMT was distributed to 60.44 crore beneficiaries in August. 1.92 LMT has been allocated to 3.84 crore beneficiaries as of September 7, 2020. The Finance Ministry announced ₹1.70 lakh crore PMGKY on March 26 to provide relief to poor and farmers in terms of cash payments and free food grains for three months. However, it was further extended for five months till November owing to the raging pandemic in the country.
Relief to Migrants
The government of India also announced the distribution of free food grains and chana to migrants for two months. Hence, 5.32 crore migrants collected 2.67 LMT of food grains in August. The authorities have managed to provide food grains to around 95% of the identified migrants.
Increased Rate of Workers Under MGNREGA
The Finance Ministry also mentioned 36.05 lakh members who have benefitted from a non-refundable advance from Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO). Further, it noted the increased rate of workers under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA). It added that the Centre has released ₹59,618 crores to states to clear pending dues of both wages and material.
In all, the centre has provided relief to the vulnerable section of the society to protect them from the impact of coronavirus.