Free ration to 80 crore people till November; 5 kg wheat or rice to be given: PM Modi
New Delhi : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday announced an extension of Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana till November, under the scheme free ration will be provided to around 80 crore people of India.
"Keeping in mind all the festivals that are coming up in the next few months, this scheme to provide 80 crore people with 5 kg free ration and 1 kg dal per month will now be extended till Diwali and Chhath Puja, or till the end of November," PM Modi said, addressing the nation for the sixth time after the coronavirus outbreak.
The expansion of ration scheme will cost the government an additional Rs 90,000 crores in next three months.
The Prime Minister also talked about the "One Nation, One Ration Card" scheme which he said would benefit thousands of migrant workers and their families who had no fixed home or income.
In his speech, PM Modi credited farmers and honest tax payers for India's success in fight against coronavirus.
"The reason you all have paid your taxes is the reason that the poor and migrants have food on their plate today. You are the reason India is not going hungry. On behalf of the entire nation, I would like to thank all the farmers and the taxpayers."
He also mentioned that negligence in social and personal behavior among people has been seen after Unlock 1 despite the fact that it is the time when major precautions are mandatory.
"Whether the village Pradhan or country's Pradhan Mantri, no one is above rules," he said.
"Earlier, we were careful about masks, do gaj doori (social distancing) and washing our hands. We were very careful. But now, when we need to be more cautious, increasing carelessness is cause for concern. People have to become cautious again, especially in containment zones," PM Modi said.
As India enters Unlock 2, we are also entering the season where cold, cough and fever increases." I appeal to all of you, please take care of yourself. Please don't be careless," PM modi added.
In his 17-minute long speech, PM Narendra Modi did not mention about tensed situation with China along LAC.
