At first meet, PM Modi’s Cabinet clears 3 poll promises to farmers, traders | Latest News India - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

At first meet, PM Modi’s Cabinet clears 3 poll promises to farmers, traders

Hindustan Times, New Delhi | By
May 19, 2020 07:41 PM IST

At its first meeting, the Union Cabinet on Friday decided to extend the Rs 6,000 per year assistance for all farmers, farm minister Narendra Singh Tomar announced after the meeting.

At first meet, PM Modi’s Cabinet clears 3 poll promises to farmers, traders

Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Union Ministers Rajnath Singh and Amit Shah during the Cabinet meeting, in New Delhi, Friday, May 31, 2019.(PTI photo)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Union Ministers Rajnath Singh and Amit Shah during the Cabinet meeting, in New Delhi, Friday, May 31, 2019.(PTI photo)

At its first meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Union Cabinet on Friday decided to extend the Rs 6,000 per year assistance to all farmers, farm minister Narendra Singh Tomar announced after the meeting. The cabinet also agreed to roll out pension plans for farmers and traders.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

The three decisions, said Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javdekar, demonstrates that the Modi government had started delivering on its promises from day one.

 Also Watch | Day 1: Modi govt’s ‘landmark’ moves for farmers, traders; Budget on July 5

“It has not even been 24 hours and the first meeting has happened and decisions taken,” Javdekar said. Tomar added that the decision to lift the cap on farmers with larger than 2 hectare plots of land demonstrates the commitment of the Modi government to farmers, he said.

PM Modi’s last government had started the direct cash support programme as part of efforts to placate growers struggling with weak crop prices. Nearly 12.5 crore small and marginal farmers holding land up to 2 hectares were entitled to receive Rs 6,000 in three equal installments. Friday’s decision will imply that the potential list of beneficiaries will go up by 2 crore, to 14.5 crores.

Tomar told reporters that the extension of the Rs 75,000 crore scheme would benefit an additional 2 crore farmers. It will cost the exchequer an additional Rs 12,000 crore.

In 2 more schemes that would also boost rural consumption, the minister said the Cabinet had cleared plans to start contributory pension schemes to cover small and marginal farmers as well as traders above the age of 60.

Five crore traders are expected to join the scheme in the next three years, Union Minister Prakash Javadekar. “All shopkeepers and self employed persons as well as retail traders with GST turnover below Rs 1.5 crore and aged between 18-40 years can enrol for the scheme,” an official statement said.

Tomar expressed optimism that states that had not provided a list of eligible beneficiaries under the Rs 6,000 cash handout scheme would send the names to the Centre.

Unveiling Elections 2024: The Big Picture', a fresh segment in HT's talk show 'The Interview with Kumkum Chadha', where leaders across the political spectrum discuss the upcoming general elections. Watch now!

Get Current Updates on India News, Election 2024, Arvind Kejriwal News Live, Bihar Board 10th Result 2024 Live along with Latest News and Top Headlines from India and around the world.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Thursday, March 28, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On