MNREGA wages will now be paid for 150 days – Chauhan
The Sunday Mail
New Delhi. Union Agriculture, Farmers Welfare and Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan released the 21st installment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme via video conferencing to flood- and landslide-affected farmers in Jammu and Kashmir. Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Agriculture Secretary Dr. Devesh Chaturvedi, Director General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research Dr. Mangi Lal Jat, and senior officials were present at the simple ceremony. Jammu and Kashmir Agriculture Minister Javed Ahmad Dar, other public representatives, officials, and farmers joined the program virtually. Under today’s installment, ₹171 crore was transferred directly to the bank accounts of approximately 8.55 lakh farmers, including 85,418 women farmers. A total of ₹4,052 crore has been provided to farmers in Jammu and Kashmir under PM-KISAN so far.
On this occasion, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan stated that the Central Government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, stands shoulder to shoulder with the farmers of Jammu and Kashmir affected by floods and other disasters. “We will help all affected farmers and others overcome this crisis,” he said. This installment of PM-KISAN is a significant step in this direction, providing farmers with a significant amount of relief that will enable them to continue their essential work. Shivraj Singh Chouhan stated that he will not abandon any farmer in this time of crisis. The Central Government is providing all possible assistance through various schemes and assistance programs. Further assistance will be provided to affected residents as per existing provisions. Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan stated that a memorandum has been received from the Jammu and Kashmir government regarding the damage to approximately 5,100 houses. For their reconstruction, the Union Rural Development Ministry has approved a special proposal of ₹85.62 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY). In addition to the basic assistance, funds will also be provided from the MNREGA and toilet construction programs, enabling people to rebuild their homes. Also, on receiving a proposal from the state, the Rural Development Ministry will provide wages for 150 days instead of 100 days under MNREGA, which will provide additional livelihood support to the affected families.
Shivraj Singh said that the Central Government is fully prepared to fulfill the requirements of seeds, fertilizers and other requirements for restarting farming. Under the policy of ‘Must be the land, his sand’, the State Government has given permission to sell sand, while on receiving a proposal from the state, there is also a provision to provide funds under the NDRF if needed. Shivraj Singh said that on receiving a proposal from the state under the Prime Minister’s Crop Insurance Scheme, the Central Agriculture Ministry will make arrangements to transfer the amount to the affected farmers in their accounts.
