In a Union cabinet meeting led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday, it was sanctioned that the central government will extend the provision of free grains to eligible citizens through the public distribution scheme for an additional five years.
The PM Garib Kalyan Yojana was originally initiated at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, offering an extra five kilograms of grains (either wheat or rice as per the individual’s preference) to ration card holders. Additionally, chana (gram) was included in the supplementary food distribution program.
Prime Minister Modi highlighted the government’s plan to extend the PM Garib Kalyan Yojana during his election rallies earlier this month.
The Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) was introduced in April 2020 with the explicit goal of alleviating the challenges experienced by the impoverished and vulnerable populations due to economic disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in the country.
Originally, in the fiscal year 2020-21, the PMGKAY scheme was initially declared for a three-month duration (April-June 2020). However, it was subsequently extended in seven consecutive phases until December 2022. This initiative benefited a total of 80 crore beneficiaries.
The Prime Minister announced the decision to extend the free ration scheme during an election rally in Durg, Chhattisgarh, on November 4.
“I have decided that the BJP government will extend the scheme of providing free ration to 80 crore poor people of the country for the next 5 years. Your affections and blessings give me the power to take such decisions, ” PM Modi had said.
The Prime Minister mentioned that the extension of the scheme would enable the poor to save money, which could then be utilized for other necessities. He emphasized that a guarantee by Modi signifies a commitment that will be honored.
Previously, the Central Government had taken the decision to alleviate the financial burden on poor beneficiaries and ensure nationwide consistency and efficient implementation of the National Food Security Act (NFSA). It was decided to provide foodgrains free of cost to the beneficiaries covered under NFSA, 2013, for a period of one year starting from January 01, 2023.
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