The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved of extending the scheme for distribution of free foodgrains to the needy until the end of November to help them cope with the economic pain of the coronavirus-induced lockdown.
Briefing reporters about the decisions taken by the Union Cabinet headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar said 81 crore poorest will be provided 5kg free foodgrains per person for five more months and one kg pulses per month. The scheme would cost ₹1.49 lakh crore.
Also read: Under lockdown, there were full efforts to ensure that no one slept on an empty stomach
Also, the government allowed 7.4 crore poor women to avail of three free LPG cylinders till September. Previously, they were to avail of this quota between April and June, he said.
Also read: Economic stimulus package | Details of ₹20-lakh-crore package announced by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in five tranches
Also, the Cabinet approved the extension of the EPF contribution 24% (12% employees share and 12% employers share) for another three months from June to August 2020. The move will benefit over 72 lakh employees and cost the government ₹4,860 crore.
