NEW DELHI: Santosh Gangwar, Minister of State (I/C) for Labour & Employment has said that the global spread of the corona virus (COVID-19) followed by lockdowns has affected global economies including India.
Covid-19 has resulted in large number of migrant workers going back to their native places and loss of jobs has also been observed in India during this period. Replying to questions in written reply in Lok Sabha today he said that Government has taken initiatives for creating jobs at local levels & supporting migrant workers through Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana (PMGKY), Aatmanirbhar Bharat & Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Rozgar Abhayan (PMGKRA).
He added that It encompasses an economic package of Rs. 20 Lakh Crore for facilitating creation of employment opportunities in the country. Aatmanirbhar Bharat is based on Economy, Infrastructure, System, Vibrant Demography and Demand to create jobs for the youth.
Under PMGKY, Minister informed that besides providing food grains, ex-gratia payments directly in the accounts of beneficiaries, EPF contribution for employees working in certain establishments was also made by the Government to support the Industry particularly MSME Sector. Further the wage under MGNREGA has also been increased from Rs 182 per day to Rs 202 which has benefitted about 13.62 Crore families, Gangwar said.
Government has also announced the measures to strengthen Infrastructure Logistics, Capacity Building, Governance and Administrative Reforms for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Processing Sectors.