The central government on Wednesday extended a free ration scheme that provided wheat and rice free of cost to 80 crore poor. The scheme, which was set to end in December, was extended for three months. The government also approved a proposal to revamp three Indian railway stations. The Centre’s announcement comes just ahead of the festive season.
Union minister Anurag Thakur announced that the Central cabinet has decided to extend PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) scheme for the next three months.
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Centre's festive bonanza for 80cr Indians.
— IndiaToday (@IndiaToday) September 28, 2022
➡️Centre extends free ration scheme by 3 months
➡️10,000 cr SOP for transformation of Railways
➡️4% DA hike for central govt employees#ITVideo pic.twitter.com/VAf3PS9IuQ
The free ration scheme will be extended at a cost of over Rs 44,700 crore. The scheme to provide 5 kg of wheat and rice free of cost to 80 crore poor every month, which was set to end on Friday, will now run through December 31, 2022.
4% DA HIKA FOR GOVT EMPLOYEES
The Centre also increased the dearness allowance for government employees by 4 per cent. The increase is based on the recommendations of the 7th pay commission. The latest hike will amount to a dearness allowance of 38 per cent for the central government employees.
Dearness Allowance is provided by the central government for its employees to adjust to the inflation-like situation.
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RAILWAYS REVAMP ON CARDS
Meanwhile, in a big boost to the Indian railways, the Union Cabinet approved a proposal for the re-development of three major railway stations – New Delhi, Ahmedabad and CSMT, Mumbai. The project involves an investment of approximately Rs 10,000 crores.
