Under BJP, no paucity of funds for welfare measures, asserts Modi govt

"There is a clear difference between Congress and the BJP. During Atal Bihari Vajpayee's tenure also, doubts were raised about the source of funds for the mega road scheme. It was the BJP government, so it could be delivered," Union agriculture and rural development minister Narendra Singh Tomar told reporters here after the first meeting of the cabinet.

He said the country should rest assured about the funding problem vis-a-vis the welfare schemes to be undertaken by the Modi government.

At its maiden meeting, the cabinet approved the pension scheme for all small and marginal farmers across the country, with entry age of 18 to 40 years, Mr Tomar said.

The cabinet also cleared pension scheme for traders which will benefit as many as three crore retails traders and shop keepers.

Mr Tomar said the government also decided to approve to extend the ambit of the PM-Kisan Yojana by including all land holding eligible farmer families.

Mr Tomar said this move must be considered a major decision because it fulfils a major commitment of BJP during elections.

Answering questions, information and broadcasting minister Prakash Javadekar said five crore small and marginal traders and as many farmers are eligible for the new welfare schemes.

He, however, said the farmers will need to get themselves registered for getting the benefit.