Centre's PMGKY: A boon for beneficiaries in Assam

Guwahati: In order to ensure that weaker sections of the society continue to get the basic amenities without facing any hardship during the lockdown period due to COVID 19, the Central Government announced the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package (PMGKP) as a welfare package.

 As on April 22, more than 33 crore poor people have been directly given financial assistance of Rs 31,235 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package (PMGKP) using the digital payment infrastructure.

In Assam also, the Central and State governments are ensuring smooth implementation of the package. Beneficiaries from different districts of the State are happy to share their stories and experiences. Namita Das, Putul Saha, Nupur Das and Rima Das from Dhubri district expressed their gratitude towards the Central government for providing free ration and gas cylinder. Hareswari Das and Hemanti Harizan from Baksa district got Rs 810 in their bank account against LPG cylinder and also financial assistance under the PM Jan Dhan Yojana.

They say they are thankful towards the government as these facilities are helping them a lot during this lockdown period.

The PMGKP is also providing benefits to the farmers in the State as the economy is largely dependent on farming. Apurva Malik and Pintu Malik from Chirang, Kabui Singh Rongmai and Imran Hussain Laskar from Cachar district got financial assistance of Rs 2000 in their account under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package Yojana. Expressing their gratitude towards the government, they say this has helped them to start their agricultural activities.

The swift implementation of the package is being continuously monitored by Central and State governments.

The government is also providing free foodgrains to the beneficiaries which is also are helping the poor to cope up with the present lockdown situation. 40.3 lakh MT of food grains have been lifted by 36 States/UTs out of 40 lakh MT for April. 19.63 lakh MT has been distributed by 31 States/UT to 39.27crore beneficiaries covered by 1.19 crore ration cards as on April 2020 entitlement.1,09,227 MT of Pulses have also been dispatched to various States/UTs.

A total of 3.05 crore cylinders have been booked under this PMUY scheme and 2.66 crore PMUY free cylinders already delivered to beneficiaries. (PIB)