New Delhi
In a significant move, the Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, granted approval on Wednesday for a pioneering scheme set to empower Women’s Self Help Groups (SHGs) across the nation. Under this initiative, the central government aims to distribute drones to approximately 15,000 SHGs over the next four years, spanning from 2023-24 to 2025-26. These drones will serve as valuable assets for farmers, as SHGs will offer them on a rental basis for various agricultural purposes.
The scheme, with an estimated capital outlay of Rs 1,261 crore over the stipulated four-year period, involves substantial government assistance. Specifically, the central government will cover 80 percent of the drone cost, including accessories and ancillary charges, up to a maximum of Rs 8 lakh. Additionally, one member from each SHG will undergo a mandatory five-day drone pilot training, along with an additional 10-day training focused on the application of nutrients and pesticides in agriculture.
Simultaneously, the Union Cabinet greenlit an extension of the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) for an additional five years. Originally launched in April 2020 to mitigate the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the scheme initially provided free grains to ration cardholders for a three-month period. However, due to its success and the persisting challenges faced by the underprivileged, the PMGKAY was extended in seven phases until December 2022. Prime Minister Modi, during recent election rallies, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to extending this crucial welfare initiative, emphasizing its role in supporting 80 crore beneficiaries during its tenure.
