Jal Shakti Minister Mahender Singh and Education Minister Suresh Bhardwaj in a joint statement issued here today said that the entire country is going through the difficult situation of COVID-19 and the opposition leader is trying to mislead the people by making irrational and irresponsible statement.
They said that Rs. 20 lakh crore economic package announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi will prove to be a boon for the weaker sections of the society, medium, small and micro industries, entrepreneurs, labours and common people. He said that this package will be effective in laying the foundation of a strong and self-reliant India.
Ministers said that the assistance and various initiatives under Rs. 20 lakh crore package would be provided all through the year. They said that the State Government has started several schemes to revive the economy of the State. Under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojna (PMGKY) 1st component i.e. Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Yojna 8,64,687 farmers have been benefitted by transferring about Rs. 173 crore. Under Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojna all eligible women account holders have been given Rs. 500 for three months by spending an amount of Rs. 98.12 crore. Under Ujjawala Yojna free gas cylinders have been provided to 131840 beneficiaries in the month of April,2020, where as in May 1,06,025 beneficiaries and till 20th June 30,453 beneficiaries have been covered under the scheme.
The State Government had paid 24 percent EPF of per month with an amount of Rs. 14.4 crore covering 1.02 lakh beneficiaries under the 2nd component of Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojna. Under the PMGKY, senior citizens above 60 years, divyang jans and widows were given rupees one thousand for three months benefitting 1.11 lakh beneficiaries with the assistance of Rs. 11.18 crore.
The State Government has distributed 5 kg rice per month and 1 kg black gram to families of National Food Security Act per month free of cost for month of April and May, 2020. As many as 109 Self Help Groups have been extended collateral free loans worth Rs. 56.22 lakh. The State Government has also given loan of Rs. 231.98 crore to 14,145 MSME under COVID-19 instant credit scheme. About Rs. 161.26 crore credits has also been given by the Government to 46,639 farmers under COVID-19 credit to farmers.
A total amount of Rs. 158.3 crore would be spent out of CAMPA fund. A credit of Rs. 69.68 crore was outstanding against 4.26 KCCs as on 31st March, 2020 and district wise targets for KCC coverage for Animal Husbandry activities have been conveyed and 2035 KCCs have been covered for the purpose till 22nd June, 2020.
NABARD has extended refinance to the tune of Rs. 350 crore to HP State Cooperative Bank, Kangra Central Cooperative Bank and Jogindra Central Cooperative Bank as additional Emergency Working Capital funding and new loans amounting to Rs. 8.90 crore has been extended to the street vendors of the State from 1st March to 31st May, 2020.
A five year action plan with a total outlay of Rs. 70 crore has also been drawn by the State Government. An amount of Rs. 4.37 crore has already been released by the Government of India against the action plan of Rs. 17.68 crore for 2020-21. The Reserve Bank of India enhanced Ways & Means limit by 60 percent from Rs. 550 crore to Rs. 880 crore till September, 2020.
State has availed Rs. 439 crore as Ways and Means from RBI in the month of May and June, 2020. The number of days for availing overdraft from RBI has also enhanced from 14 days to 21 days.
They said that all medical staff, sanitation workers and health workers are also being covered by an insurance scheme of Rs. 50 lakh under this package.
Ministers said that former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh visited the State during his tenure but didn’t provide any incentives for development of state. They said that Rajiv Gandhi himself admitted that the money allotted for development didn’t reach at the grass-root level and if Rupees one was sanctioned for development then only 15 paisa actually reaches at grass-root level.
They said that under the able leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi equitable and balanced development of every section of the society was ensured and all the monetary benefits being provided to the beneficiaries are being transferred directly through DBT in the bank account of beneficiaries.