When the Covid epidemic first broke out, the PM Garib Kalyan Yojana was launched. Under this scheme, holders of ration cards were eligible to receive an extra five kg of grains (either rice or wheat, depending on their preference). As part of the increased food distribution initiative, chana was also being offered.
By providing free food grains (rice, wheat, and coarse grains/millets) under PMGKAY for five years starting on January 1, 2024, food security will be strengthened and the financial hardships faced by the underprivileged and vulnerable populations will be lessened.
Cabinet decides to extend Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, to run for 5 years from 1st January, 2024
— PIB India (@PIB_India) November 29, 2023
Poor people of identified families to get 5 kg of free food grains per month
Antyodaya households to get 35 kg of free food grains per month
Nearly 81 crore people to… pic.twitter.com/hZafuYJK4f
Under the direction of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the union cabinet met on Wednesday and decided to extend the public distribution program’s five-year duration of free grain distribution by the federal government to all eligible individuals.
During his election rallies earlier this month, Prime Minister Modi himself announced the extension of the PM Garib Kalyan Yojana by the centre.
The decision to extend the free ration policy was announced by the Prime Minister on November 4, Chhattisgarh, during an electoral rally in Durg.
“I have determined that the BJP government will continue to give 80 crore impoverished people in the nation free rations for the next five years. I have the authority to make such decisions because of your love and blessings,” PM Modi had stated. The Prime Minister had stated that the impoverished would be able to meet other requirements with the money they save as a result of the program’s prolongation. He had stated that the fulfilment of the commitment is guaranteed by Modi’s guarantee.
The choice demonstrates Narendra Modi’s steadfast dedication to effective and focused welfare through meeting the population’s basic needs for food and nutrition. In order to focus efforts on creating an ambitious and developed India, it would be crucial to provide food security on this magnitude during Amrit Kaal, according to a press statement.
By providing free food grains (rice, wheat, and coarse grains/millets) under PMGKAY for five years starting on January 1, 2024, food security will be strengthened and the financial hardships faced by the underprivileged and vulnerable populations will be lessened. It would offer free food grain delivery across the country in all States and Union Territories via a network of more than 5 lakh Fair Price Shops operating under a single banner.
For the distribution of food grains under PMGKAY, an approximate food subsidy of Rs. 11.80 lakh crore will be provided over a five-year period. In order to give free food grains to the targeted population, the Centre will spend approximately Rs. 11.80 lakh crore over the course of the next five years as part of the PMGKAY food subsidy programme.
The five-year, free food grain programme under PMGKAY, which will begin on January 1, 2024, is a reflection of Hon. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s long-term commitment to addressing national food and nutrition security. Giving away free food grains will help the impacted social classes in a sustainable way and guarantee a long-term pricing plan at no cost to the recipients, both of which are essential for the Public Distribution System to be effectively embraced.
