Cabinet gives nod to PM Garib Kalyan Yojana extension, DA hike and railway stations' redevelopment

The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved the extension of Prime Minister Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) by three months. The scheme under which free ration is provided to the poor in India has been extended till December 2022.

Union minister Anurag Thakur said that the decision has been taken in view of the approaching festive season.

Over 80 crore people have been benefitted from the PMGKAY scheme, added Thakur.

Earlier, Food Secretary Sudhanshu Pandey had said that the matter was under discussion.

The Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) was launched in March 2020 to provide free 5 kg foodgrains per person per month to about 80 crore beneficiaries covered under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) to reduce their hardship during the lockdown period. This was over and above the general allocation under the NFSA.

The scheme has been extended multiple times.

Some other decision are likely to include a 4 per cent hike in dearness allowance (DA). The 4 per cent hike will take the DA to 38 per cent.

Another significant decision includes redevelopment of three railway stations: Delhi, Mumbai and Ahmedabad.

The project will generate nearly 35, 744 jobs. This will not only give a boost to the overall employment sector but will also help in advancing the local economy through investment and additional business opportunities.

Furthermore, the redevelopment will also enhance the experience for over two million travelers on a daily basis.

While talking about the redevelopment project, Thakur said, "Rs 10,000 crore grant has been approved for the redevelopment of these railway stations."

(With inputs from agencies)