Extension of EPF contribution, distribution of free food grains: Cabinet decisions today

Javadekar said that the decision has been taken to facilitate more take-home salary for employees and give relief to employers in payment of PF dues.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the decisions taken by the Union Cabinet on Wednesday for urban migrants and the poor will bring a positive change in the lives of many people.

Here are the other key decisions made by the Cabinet:

👉 The Cabinet approved extension of distributing free grains and pulses under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Awas Yojna (PMGKAY) for five more months, till November.  Javedkar said Rs 1.49 lakh crore will be spent on giving free food grain, pulses to 81 crore people till November. “PMGKY aims to provide a safety net to the poor and vulnerable who had been hit the hardest by the pandemic,” he said.

Javadekar said so far about 74.3 crore beneficiaries have been covered in April, 74.75 crore in May and about 64.72 crore in June 2020.

👉 Development of Affordable Rental Housing Complexes (AHRCs) for urban migrants/poor as a sub-scheme under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Urban has also been approved by the Cabinet.  Under this scheme, existing vacant government funded housing complexes to be converted to ARHCs. Javedkar said intially 3 lakh beneficiaries will be covered.

Source: Via PIB

👉 Cabinet approved capital infusion of Rs 12,450 crore for three Public Sector General Insurance Companies – Oriental Insurance Company Ltd, National Insurance Company Ltd & United India Insurance Company Ltd (including Rs 2500 crore infused in FY 2019-20).

👉 The government also 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. Rs 13,500 crore has been allotted for this scheme.

👉 Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar said the Cabinet also approved Rs 1 lakh crore fund to improve infrastructure and logistics in the agriculture sector.