Welfare measures announced by FM show PM Modi's 'sensitivity' towards poor, marginal sections: Nadda

Lauding a host of measures announced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday, BJP President J P Nadda said they show Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "sensitivity" towards the poor and marginal sections.

In a series of tweets, Nadda cited various welfare initiatives unveiled by her to assert that they will ensure food security for migrant workers, boost farm sector and benefit small enterprises.

"Announcements offering affordable rental housing to urban poor, NREGS support to returning migrant workers, central (govt) assistance of Rs 11,000 Cr to states for free accommodation and food in urban shelters show Narendra Modi Ji's sensitivity towards the poor & marginal people," he said.

Nadda said he welcomed the announcements for the benefit of migrant workers.

Free food for two months to eight crore migrants, nationwide implementation of 'one nation one ration card' scheme are major initiatives to ensure food security for migrant workers, he said.

"Massive" support to farmers in the finance minister's announcements is also welcome, he said, adding that Rs two lakh crore concessional credit to 2.5 crore PM Kisan beneficiary farmers and fishermen and Rs 30,000 crore additional funding from NABARD and other bodies will give boost to farm sector.

"I thank our Government for announcing a new scheme to offer Rs. 5,000 crore Special credit facility to 50 Lakh Street Vendors and Rs. 1500 crore interest subvention for Mudra 'Shishu' loans benefiting small enterprises," he said.

Sitharaman on Thursday announced free distribution of 5 kg foodgrains and 1 kg 'chana' for next two months to approximately 8 crore migrants who do not have either central or state ration cards.

Announcing the second tranche of the economic package, she said about Rs 3,500 crore will be spent towards this initiative.

The central government will fully bear the cost, while state governments will be responsible for implementation and identification of migrants for distribution of dry ration, she told the media.