New Delhi: Union Finance Minister is briefing media on the final tranche of economic package.
She started by quoting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s words, “As a nation, we stand at a very crucial juncture. Such a big disaster is a signal for India, it has brought a message and opportunity.”
We need now to build an Aatmanirbhar Bharat, said Sitharaman.
“In order to prove the resolve of an #AatmaNirbharDesh, land, labour, liquidity and laws have all been emphasized in #AatmaNirbharBharatPackage. The crisis and the challenge is an opportunity to build a #SelfReliantIndia,” she said.
“We will today be continuing in the series of reforms announced. Soon after lockdown, we came with #PMGaribKalyanPackage, we provided food grains to those who needed it, we did not want to scout for money to search for grains,” said Sitharaman.
“Pulses too were given 3 months in advance. I appreciate the concerted efforts of FCI, NAFED and states, giving pulses and grains in huge quantities, despite logistical challenges. ”
Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package used technology to do direct benefit transfer to people, we could do what we did because of the initiatives taken during the last few years, she said.
“One-time transfer of ₹ 2,000 has reached 8.19 crore farmers, total amount ₹ 16,394 crore. NSAP beneficiaries got ₹ 1,405 crore in first installment and ₹ 1,402 crore in 2nd instalment, target of ₹ 3,000 crore nearly achieved,” she added.
The Finance Minister gave a tally of funds allotted till now:
20 crore Jan Dhan account holding women got ₹ 10, 025 crore,
2.2 crore building and construction workers got ₹ 3,950 crore,
6.81 crore people got free LPG cylinders,
12 lakh EPFO holders got online withdrawal of advance.
When lockdown was extended, free grains and dal were given for another 2 months Shramik Special Trains were started when it was possible for workers to move, states were requested to bring workers to stations, 85% cost was borne by central govt, said the Finance Minister.
“This was done because, Jaan Hai To Jahaan Hai. Lives were given priority. In a post- COVID era, livelihoods too have to come into full play. To take care of new considerations, our attempt is to ensure both lives and livelihoods,” she said.
Seven measures will be announced today: MNREGA, Health – rural and urban, including education 3 Businesses and #COVID19, Decriminalization of Companies Act, Ease Of Doing Business, Public Sector Enterprises, State governments & related resources.
