Chandigarh, April 15 – Haryana Chief Minister Mr. Manohar Lal has urged the Arhtiyas of the State to come forward and support the efforts of the State Government in purchasing every single grain of the farmers.

The Chief Minister was addressing the people during the live telecast of 'Haryana Aaj' programme here today.

The Chief Minister said for the convenience of the farmers during this difficult period, the procurement centres for mustard have been increased substantially from 66 last year to 143. He said that today about 7000 farmers were called on the first day of the mustard procurement to sell their produce.

He said that Arhtiyas can play an important role in the purchase of farmers’ crops by visiting each procurement centre and helping them in selling their crops. He said that the coordinated efforts of the State Government and the Arhtiyas will definitely make it easy for the farmers and the labourers in the procurement process in this time of crisis.

The Chief Minister said that helping the poor should be our topmost priority at this time. Therefore I urge every section of the society to come forward and stand united to fight the COVID battle.

Meanwhile, during the address, the Chief Minister also gave detailed information about the benefits transferred under the schemes being run by the Centre and the State Government during the last 25 days amid Corona Crisis.

Sharing the details about the State Schemes, the Chief Minister said that financial assistance has been given to about 23 lakh beneficiaries including 12.50 lakh beneficiaries of the Mukhya Mantri Parivar Samridhi Yojna, 3.50 lakh construction workers, 6.4 lakh BPL families and 1,00,000 unorganized labour. He said that till now an amount of Rs. 438 crore has been transferred to the accounts of 13 lakh beneficiaries and the financial assistance to the left out beneficiaries will soon be transferred.

He shared that for the Corona warriors including doctors, nurses, paramedical staff, testing staff, class IV employees, and all those who come in direct contact with COVID-19 patients, an amount of Rs 10 crore has been reserved and the State Government has already announced to double their salaries. Apart from this, ex-gratia scheme has also been announced for them.

The Chief Minister said that an amount of Rs. 135 crore would be allocated to ensure the delivery of dry ration for three months to every needy person. He shared that an amount of Rs 500 crore has been allocated to five departments including, Medical Education and Research Health, Urban Local Bodies, Panchayati Raj and Home, so that they do not face any trouble while fighting Corona battle. He shared that the power department has also granted exemption in payment of fix charges for two months. Apart from this, the State Government is making all possible efforts to ensure that no one sleeps on an empty stomach in Haryana.

The Chief Minister informed that amid Corona crisis, the Centre Government is giving benefits to the poor and needy. He said that benefits are being given under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Ann Yojana, Antyodaya Anna Yojana, Free LPG cylinders for three months under Ujjwala Yojana, Rs. 1,000, per month for the benefit of senior citizens, widows and divyangs (persons with disabilities), Rs. 2000 under Pradhanmantri Kisan Mandhan Yojana, Rs. 500 to female beneficiaries under Pradhanmantri Jandhan yojana for three months, contribution to the EPF account for those earning less than Rs 15,000 per month, for the next three months, an insurance scheme for government hospitals and health service centres and increasing MGNREGA daily wages.

The Chief Minister said, “I am sure that good times will come and hope that soon normalcy will prevail and Corona will be defeated in Haryana and will be eradicated from the country.”