In its first decision taken after the formation of the new Cabinet, the Modi government on Friday, 31 May approved the extension of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Yojana to all farmers – an extension to the earlier version of the scheme in which only farmers with less than two hectares of land were eligible.
The announcement was made by Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmer Welfare Narendra Singh Tomar at a press briefing.
“The Cabinet has approved the extension of Pradhan Mantri Kisan Yojana to all farmers. Nearly 14.5 crore farmers will benefit from the scheme,” said Tomar.
The government in the interim Budget session on 1 February had announced a scheme under which an assured income support of Rs 6,000 per year for small and marginal farmers was promised in three equal instalments. However, it was applicable to only those farmers with up to two hectares of land.
In the election manifesto released by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) just before the polls, an extension of the scheme to all farmers was promised.
“The scheme provides income support to small and marginal landholder farmer families with cultivable land holding up to 2 hectare, across the country, by way of Rs 6,000 per year. The ongoing scheme aims to cover around 12.5 crore SMF families,” he added.
The government also announced a Rs 10,774 crore pension scheme for farmers.
“The Union Cabinet has approved a new Central Sector Scheme, Pradhan Mantri Kisan Pension Yojana. It's a voluntary and contributory pension scheme for small and marginal farmers across the country. The Central government will contribute to the pension fund in equal amount as contributed by the farmer,” said Tomar.
Union Minster Prakash Javadekar also announced the Cabinet’s approval of a Rs 13,343 crore programme to control diseases among livestock.
“Cabinet has cleared a special scheme for Control of Foot and Mouth Disease and Brucellosis. The diseases of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and Brucellosis are very common among the livestock – cow-bulls, buffaloes, sheep, goats, pigs,” said Javadekar.
Javadekar also announced that President Ram Nath Kovind will address the joint session of parliament on 20 June while the Economic Survey will be released on 4 July.
The Parliament session is scheduled to begin on 17 June, while the Budget session is slated to kick off on 5 July.
(With inputs from ANI)
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