Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package: Progress so Far

In order to ensure that weaker sections of the society continue to get the basis amenities and do not get impacted during the lock down period due to COVID 19, Rs 1.70 lakh crore (US$ 24.32 billion) Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package (PMGKP) was announced by Union Finance Minister Smt Nirmala Sitharaman on 26th March 2020 to protect such people from the impact of the lockdown.

As part of the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package, the Government announced free food grains and cash payment to women and poor senior citizens and farmers. The swift implementation of the package is being continuously monitored by Central and State governments. Finance Ministry, the concerned Ministries, Cabinet Secretariat and PMO are leaving no stone unturned to ensure that the relief measures reach the needy swiftly and in line with the intent of the lock down.

Fintech and digital technology have been employed for swift and efficient transfer to the beneficiary. Direct benefit transfer, i.e. transfer that ensures that the amount is directly credited into the account of the beneficiary, eliminates leakage and improves efficiency has been employed. This has also ensured credit to the beneficiary’s account without the need for the beneficiary to physically go to the branch.

As on 13th April, 2020, 32.32 crore beneficiaries have been directly given cash support through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) amounting to Rs 29,352 crore (US$ 4.20 billion) under the package.

Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Ann Yojana:

So far 20.11 Lakh MT of food grains have been lifted by 31 States/UTs out of 40 Lakh MT for April. 2.65 lakh MT has been distributed by 16 States/UT to 5.29 Crore beneficiaries covered by 1.19 Crore Ration cards as April 2020 entitlement. 3985 MT of Pulses have also been dispatched to various states/UTs.

Free Gas Cylinders to Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana beneficiaries: –

Total 1.39 Cr cylinders have been booked under this PMUY scheme so far and 97.8 Lakh PMUY free cylinders already delivered to beneficiaries.

Non-refundable advance of 75 per cent of outstanding balance or 3 months’ wages, whichever is lower allowed to the members EPFO:-

2.1 lakh members of EPFO have availed online withdrawal of Rs 510 crore (US$ 72.97 million) so far.

EPF contribution for 3 months-Payment of 24 per cent of Wages as contribution to EPFO members drawing wages below Rs 15000 per months in establishment up to 100 workers.

An amount of Rs 1000 crore (US$ 143.08 million) has already been released to EPFO for the Scheme for the month of April 2020. 78.74 lakh beneficiaries and concerned establishments have been informed. A scheme to implement the announcement finalized. FAQ put on the website.

MNREGA: –

Increased rate has been notified w.e.f 01-04-2020.In the current financial year, 19.56 lakh person’s man-days of work generated. Further, Rs 7,100 crore (US$ 1.02 billion) released to states to liquidate pending dues of both wage and material.

Insurance Scheme for health workers in Government Hospitals and Health Care Centres:

The Scheme has been operationalised by New India Assurance covering 22.12 Lakh health workers.

Support to Farmers:

Of the total disbursement, Rs 14,946 crore (US$ 2.14 billion) has gone towards payment of the first instalment of PM-KISAN. Under the scheme, nearly 7.47 crore out of the 8 crore identified beneficiaries got Rs 2,000 (US$ 28.61) directly in their account.

Support to PMJDY Women account holders:

As large number of households in India are largely managed by the women, under the package, as many as 19.86 crore women Jan Dhan account holders received Rs 500 (US$ 7.15) each in their account. As on 13th April,2020, the total disbursement under the head was Rs 9,930 crore (US$ 1.42 billion).

Support to old age persons, widows and disabled persons

The National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) disbursed about Rs 1,400 crore (US$ 200.31 million) to about 2.82 crore old age persons, widows and disabled persons. Each beneficiary received an ex-gratia cash of Rs 500 (US$ 7.15) under the scheme as the first instalment. Another instalment of Rs 500 (US$ 7.15) each will be paid during next month.

Support to Building & other Construction workers:

As many as 2.17 crore Building &construction workers received financial support from the Building and Construction Workers’ Fund managed by state governments. Under this Rs 3,071 crore (US$ 439.40 million) were given to beneficiaries.

Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package

                                           Total Direct Benefit Transfer till 13/04/2020 

Scheme	Number of Beneficiaries (crore)	Amount (Rs crore)	Amount (US$ billion)
Support to PMJDY women account holders	19.86 (97 per cent)	9,930	1.42
Support to NSAP (Aged widows, Divyang, Senior citizen)	2.82 (100 per cent)	1,405	0.2
Front-loaded payments to farmers under PM-KISAN	7.47 (out of 8)	14,946	2.14
Support to Building & Other Construction workers	2.17	3,071	0.44
TOTAL	32.32	29,352	4.2

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Source: PIB

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