by Harish Gupta, National Editor, Lokmat Group
Diwali Eve Bonanza, Centre Opens its coffers
Harish Gupta
New Delhi, Oct 9
The Modi government opened its coffers and gave a huge Diwali bonanza for Central government's 45 employees and 62 lakh pensioners.
Though Diwali is 20 days away, but the government doled out Rs 16000 crores Dearness Allowance (DA) for its employees and pension holders. This will be highest ever DA, as high as 5%, never given before. The DA now stands for 17%.
The Union Cabinet which met this morning, also doled out Rs 5.50 lakhs per family for 5300 families who fall under “displaced persons category”. This will benefit those who migrated to Jammu & Kashmir from PoK and other Pakistan areas during the past 70 years. These families were left out of the financial aid which the Cabinet cleared today.
The Cabinet also opened its pandora's box by deciding that 40,000 more wellness centers will be opened across the country under the National Health Mission.
Evewn those farmers who could not link their PM-Kisan scheme with Aadhaar, have been allowed to get their Rs 2000 installment without hiderance. At least 6 crores farmers have benefited under the scheme so far.
Union Minister Prakash Javadekar apprived the Cabinet of the decisions today.
The Cabinet meeting was held today as Prime Minister Modi is traveling to Tamil Nadu tomorrow for meeting Chinese President Xi. However, no deisions were taken relating to Indo-China relationship.
