LIVE TV
Odisha
Recommended Stories
New Delhi/Bhubaneswar: A day after the Centre announced more relaxations under Unlock 2.0, the second of the three-phase plan to end lockdown restrictions in the country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said that Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana will be expanded till November this year.
In his address to the nation on Tuesday, PM Modi said a total of Rs 18,000 crore has been directly credited to the bank account of people in the last few months. About 80 crore people have got 5 kg ration and 1 kg of dal (cereal) per month free of cost under the Yojana. He also said that every family will also be provided 1 kg gram (chana) under the scheme every month.
"Keeping in mind all the festivals that are coming up in the upcoming months, this scheme will now be extended till Diwali and Chhath Puja, till the end of November," he said adding that an additional Rs 90,000 crore will be allocated for the same and it comes to almost one and a half lakh crore if the expenses of the last three months are added to it.
He further said, "Going forward, we will be more prone to diseases. So, it is my appeal to you all to take necessary precautions."
On the country witnessing constant rise in the number of Covid-19 cases, he said the country is in a good position if compared to other county in terms of mortality rate, but people who used to strictly follow the guidelines, have started developing a callous approach.
He also thanked farmers and tax payers of the country for their contribution towards the nation's fight against the virus.
Today, if the government is able to provide free food grains to the poor & the needy, the credit goes to two sections. First, the hardworking farmers of our country and second, the honest taxpayers. I thank you from my heart: PM Modi
— OTV (@otvnews) June 30, 2020
This was Modi's sixth address to the nation since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Earlier during his 'Mann Ki Baat' radio broadcast, the PM stressed on Atmanirbhar Bharat and on the need to be vigilant to curb the spread of the Covid-19 and urged citizens to be extra careful during the 'Unlock' period.
“By not wearing masks, you endanger the lives of others. “I urge you to not be callous. Maintain do-gaz-doori (six-foot distance) from others," the PM had said.
Read More:
Defence Min Launches Web Portal To Issue NOCs For Power Projects In Indian Waters
Unlock 2.0: Lockdown Only In Containment Zones, Night Curfew From 10 PM To 5 AM
