Poor People Worst Hit by Coronavirus, Government of India To Their Rescue
Coronavirus is a catastrophe for the country wreaking ruination in all sectors of the economy. Again, it’s the poor people that has come under its worst grasp and are suffering. Poor people are shattered in distress and rampant poverty and have no option than to confine themselves in their stifling homes waiting for somebody to help them satiate their hunger.
The government is leaving no stones unturned and are trying relentlessly to assist these group of people by providing them either money or assistance in kind i.e. ration or packaged food.
The Modi government has so far deposited Rs 28,256 crore into the account of the poor, farmers and labourers most affected by the lockdown.
31.77 crore people benefitted through PM Garib Kalyan Yojana Scheme
31.77 crore people have been benefited through Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana scheme. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a welfare package of Rs 1.7 lakh crore on 26 March. Its objective is to provide relief to the poor in lockdown due to COVID-19. The government has provided financial assistance to 19.86 crore women under Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY). A statement from the Finance Ministry said that under this scheme, Rs 9,930 crore has reached the account of women.
20 crore women Jan Dhan account holders will get Rs 500-500 for three months
The Jan Dhan Yojana scheme was launched on August 28, 2014. Under this, banking facilities are provided to the poor by opening their accounts on zero balance. According to the PMJDY website, 38.08 crore accounts have been opened as of April 1, 2020 and they have a total deposit of Rs 1,19,707 crore.
In the account of women beneficiaries of Jan Dhan Yojana, the Finance Minister had announced to deposit Rs 500 every month for three months. Under this, 20 crore women Jan Dhan account holders will get benefits.
Out of 8 crore farmers, 87% farmers get Rs 13,855 crore
A finance ministry spokesperson said that 87% of the 8 crore farmers have already received Rs 13,855 crore cash assistance under PM-Kisan Yojana scheme. He said that till April 10, 2020, the government has transferred Rs 1,405 crore to the bank accounts of 2.82 crore widows, senior citizens and the disabled. Apart from this, Rs 1,000 will be given to the economically poor widows and senior citizens under the welfare package and the same amount to the physically challenged under the National Social Assistance Program (NSAP) in two installments.
According to the spokesperson, after the announcement of the Finance Minister, the government has so far provided financial assistance of Rs. 3,066 crore to 2.16 crore buildings and other construction workers. Announcing the plan on 26 March, Sitharaman had said that a fund already exists for the welfare of construction and other workers. At this time 31,000 crore rupees are allotted for them and 3.5 crore workers are registered under it.
