Several steps taken by Modi govt to help poor amid COVID-19 pandemic
TNN Bureau. Updated: 12/2/2020 11:52:18 AM
National
NEW DELHI: Narendra Modi government swung into action to help the poor even as the country fought against COVID 19. The Government announced free food grains and cash payment to women and poor senior citizens and farmers through the 1.70 lakh crore rupees Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package.
Around 42 crore poor people received financial assistance of 68,820 crore rupees. Over 17,891 crore rupees was transferred under PM-KISAN scheme to almost nine crore farmers.
While the nation was fighting the pandemic, there was also an urgent need to fight poverty. There was a need to ensure that the disruption does not become distress for the poor. About 13 crore free Ujjwala gas cylinders were delivered to poor households.
Under Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, nearly 80 crore people received free foodgrains and pulses till November. Wherever cash transfers were done, they went directly to the bank accounts of the beneficiaries and there were no leakages.