As India grapples with the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, numerous states have implemented lockdowns to curb its spread. Acknowledging the financial implications of the current situation, especially on those less privileged, the administration has made an important declaration pertaining to the Pradhanmantri Garib Kalyan Yojana.
This scheme is intended to distribute ration supplies to all qualifying recipients, giving precedence to those from economically weaker sections, such as individuals living on the streets, those engaged in waste collection, street vendors, rickshaw operators, and itinerant laborers.
Pradhanmantri Garib Kalyan Ann Yojana Extended for an Additional Year
In the Central Budget 2023, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman declared the extension of the Pradhanmantri Garib Kalyan Ann Yojana for another year. This ensures that underprivileged families will continue to receive free ration from the Central Government. Initiated during the COVID-19 pandemic in April 2020, the scheme provides free ration at the rate of 5 kg per person to impoverished families.
The Beneficiaries and Allocation under Pradhanmantri Garib Kalyan Yojana
The Pradhanmantri Garib Kalyan Yojana, introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aims to provide subsidised ration to about 80 crore beneficiaries across the nation. The government has allocated 759 lakh metric tonnes of food grains for the beneficiaries under this scheme. Launched in response to the economic challenges of the pandemic, the initiative provides food security to needy citizens and has doubled the monthly food quantity for families under the Antyodaya scheme and other priority households.
Progress and Impact of Pradhanmantri Garib Kalyan Yojana
Over the course of the first five phases of the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana, an impressive allocation of approximately 759 lakh metric tonnes of food grains has been distributed to approximately 80 crore beneficiaries under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) across various states and union territories in India.
This subsidized food grain is estimated to be worth approximately 2.6 lakh crore rupees. With its extension to February 2023, the country’s impoverished families will continue to benefit from the Pradhanmantri Garib Kalyan Ann Yojana until 2024.
As the nation navigates its way through the pandemic’s challenges, the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana stands as a beacon of hope for India’s underprivileged, providing necessary food security during these trying times.
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