Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking about the measures announced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, said on Thursday, 14 May, that they “will boost food security, credit to farmers as well as street vendors.”
“Today’s announcements by FM Nirmala Sitharaman will especially benefit our farmers and migrant workers. The announcements include a series of progressive measures and will boost food security, credit to farmers as well as street vendors,” tweeted PM Modi.
BJP chief, JP Nadda also said, “Finance minister's announcements will help ensure food security for migrant workers, boost farm sector and small firms.”
“The announcements by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman today for labourers, farmers and the poor are historic and unprecedented. These steps will strengthen people in rural areas who will contribute to make India self-reliant,” said Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar.
The FM announced free food grains supply to all migrant workers for the next 2 months. She also said, “Government to support nearly 50 lakh street vendors with Rs 5,000 crore Special Credit Facility.”
Rs 2 lakh crore concessional credit boost to 2.5 crore farmers will be given through Kisan Credit Cards, she added.
‘Jumla Package’: Congress
Congress leader Randeep Surjewala said, “Finance Minister's economic package nothing but Jumla package.”
“Entire press conference of the Finance Minister was classic display of arrogance, ignorance, insensitivity,” said Congress leader Manish Tewari.
Another Congress leader Anand Sharma said, “Economic package so far way short of what PM had promised the nation and deeply disappointing.”
In her address, reiterating that the government is “conscious” about the migrant workers’ crisis, Sitharaman said that the Centre has permitted state governments to utilise SDRF funds for setting up shelter for migrants and providing them with food, water and other basic facilities.
On Wednesday, Sitharaman had announced various relief measures for MSMEs, including several categories of collateral-free loans, raised investment limits for micro enterprises, as well as relief measures for taxpayers and real estate as part of the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan’ package.
(With inputs from PTI)
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