Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan: Key highlights of 2nd tranche of stimulus package

Finance minister unveiled second tranche of the mega economic stimulus package focused on migrant workers, street vendors, small traders, self employed people, small farmers battered by the ongoing nationwide lockdown. Here are the key highlights of today's press conference:

1. Interest subvention for loans to farmers, normally given for prompt repayment, further extended to May 31, 2020. Close to 3 crore marginal farmers had received loans worth Rs 4 lakh crore at low rates. They were also given a moratorium by the RBI.

2. 63 lakh loans worth ₹ 86,000 crore approved in agricultural area, in just two months, March and April 2020. ₹ 29,500 crore refinanced by NABARD in March alone.

3. ₹ 11,000 crore given to states for taking care of migrant workers and others 3 meals per day for urban homeless, entirely at expense of central Govt.

4. 12,000 SHGs have produced more than 3 crore masks and 1.2 lakh litres of sanitizers during COVID19 period Revolving funds are being provided to SHGs through PAISA portal 7,200 new SHGs for urban poor have been formed during the last two months.

5. We have made adequate provisions to ensure that returning migrant workers needing work will be engaged, states and UTs have been asked to provide them work as per provisions of MNREGA Act.

6. We are looking at re-skilling of workers who have lost their jobs, and social security scheme for gig workers All occupations should be open for women, with provision for night working rights and adequate safeguards.

7. Want to reduce 44 Labour Acts to 4 codes, Labour Minister Santosh Gangwar has engaged to ensure their concerns are addressed, we are committed to getting this passed in Parliament.

8. National portability of public distribution cards to take place. One Nation One Ration fully to be in place by March 2021. Ration cards can be used in any state.

9. The current portfolio of MUDRA-Shishu loans is Rs 1.62 lakh crore (maximum loan amount of Rs 50,000). Centre to provide interest subvention of 2% for prompt payees for 12 months.

10. To create job opportunities for Tribals /Adivasis -Plans worth Rs 6000 crores to be approved shortly under Compensatory Afforestation Management & Planning Authority (CAMPA) Funds.

11. Government to extend the Credit Linked Subsidy Scheme CLSS up to March 2021; 2.5 lakhs middle income families to benefit during 2020-21.

12. Rs 30,000 crore additional emergency working capital fund through NABARD for farmers; Rs 90,000 crore is already spent. To be immediately released to aid Rabi harvest. Will benefit 3 crore farmers.