Opponents of relief package have vested interests:Anandiben

Vadodara

“The state government gives subsidy of Rs 4,000 crore to farmers in electricity bills, while farmers pay about Rs 900 crore towards power bills. In addition to regular subsidy, the government will now pay 50 per cent of bill (amount) from the state exchequer, which comes at around Rs 500 crore,” the chief minister said.

She said her government has already announced an assistance of Rs 700 crore for farmers in Rabi season during ongoing “Krushi Mahotsav” programme.

On the occasion, Patel announced holding of 20 ‘Shramik Melas’ or fairs for unorganised labourers across the state, to coincide with the birthday celebrations of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, falling on December 25.

Under the event, the labourers will be provided with benefits of various welfare schemes, she said.

Patel also announced awarding of plots measuring 300 sq mt to each of the Milk Cooperative Societies being run by women in villages at a token rent of Re 1 per month.

“We will also construct buildings for them (cooperative societies). This will help these women to generate more income from sale of milk, which will be collected from buildings of these societies,” the CM said.

She also announced a financial assistance of Rs 90,000 for female candidates and Rs 75,000 for their male counterparts, respectively, who clear UPSC prelims.

“The government will also help them in their final preparation of UPSC (written) exam and (in preparation for) interview,” she added.

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