The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday has approved the extension of free food grain distribution by 4 years. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnav told in a press conference that the central government will now provide free food grains to the poor till 2028. The Narendra Modi government at the Center has been giving free food grains to the poor under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana since the Corona period. Now in the third term, the Union Cabinet has taken a big decision to continue this scheme till 2028. Apart from this, Ashwini Vaishnav told that the cabinet has also approved the development of a National Maritime Heritage Complex in Lothal, Gujarat.

Lothal project also got approval

Further explaining about the Lothal project after the Union Cabinet meeting, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnav said, 'The proposal aims to showcase the rich and diverse maritime heritage and create the world's largest maritime heritage complex.' Giving information about free grain distribution for the poor, he said, 'Today the Cabinet has approved the continuation of the supply of free fortified rice under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana (PMGKAY) and other welfare schemes from July, 2024 to December, 2028. This will reduce anemia and micronutrient deficiency. The total financial expenditure of the Central Government in this scheme will be Rs 17,082 crore and 100 per cent funding will be done by the Central Government.'

Roads will be constructed in Rajasthan

Ashwini Vaishnav further said, 'PM Modi has emphasized on the development of infrastructure in the border areas. Today the Cabinet approved the construction of 2,280 km of roads in the border areas of Rajasthan with an investment of Rs 4,406 crore. Also today the Cabinet has approved that a National Maritime Heritage Complex will be developed at Lothal in Gujarat…The proposal aims to showcase the rich and diverse maritime heritage and create the largest maritime heritage complex in the world.’