India extends Covid-19 pandemic anti-poverty drive

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that to bring relief to over 800 million people during the Covid-19 pandemic, the government is running Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana to provide free grains, and the scheme has been extended till March 2022.

"We are running the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana to provide free grains to more than 80 crore (800 million) people of the country so that they don't face more problems. The scheme has now been extended to March 2022. With is the cost of nearly Rs 2,60,000 crore (2596 pounds approx.), the scheme assures that over 80 crore people have food to cook in their home," PM Modi said while addressing media persons ahead of the beginning of the winter session.

Earlier this year, the Centre approved further allocation of additional foodgrain to National Food Security Act (NFSA) beneficiaries under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana (Phase IV) till November.
Under the scheme, the government will provide 5 kg foodgrains per person per month free of cost covered under NFSA (Antyodaya Anna Yojana and Priority Households) including those covered under Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).

Amid rising concerns for a new Covid-19 variant Omicron, PM Modi urged people to stay alert.

Ahead of the winter session, the PM also assured that the government would answer all questions.

On the first day of the winter session of Parliament on November 29, the Government of India is likely to move the three 'Farm Laws Repeal Bill 2021' in the Rajya Sabha after the Lok Sabha passes it.

(ANI)