The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved extending the scheme for distribution of free foodgrains to the country's poorest until the end of November to help them cope with the economic pain of the coronavirus-induced lockdown.
Briefing reporters about cabinet decisions taken today, Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar said 81 crore people will be provided 5 kg free foodgrains and 1 kg pulses per month per for five more months. The scheme would cost Rs 1.49 lakh crore.
The government has allowed 7.4 crore poor women to avail of three free LPG cylinders till September. Previously, they were to avail of this quota between April and June.
The Union Cabinet has approved extension of 24% EPF contribution by government for three more months—from June 2020 to August 2020. The move will benefit more than 72 lakh employees and cost the state exchequer Rs 4,860 crore.
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