Free food grain scheme extended till Diwali for over 80 cr poor: PM

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday announced his government has decided to extend the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Ann Yojana till Diwali, adding the beneficiaries will be able to receive fixed ration as per this scheme.

Addressing the nation with regard to his government’s efforts to battle the Covid-19 pandemic, Prime Minister Modi said that  80 crore poor would be provided free ration under this scheme.

The announcement comes as the Indian government committed to providing free food grains under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Ann Yojana (PMGKAY) for the month of May and June 2021.

According to the government's announcement, 5 kg free food grains were provided to around 80 crore beneficiaries. The Centre allotted over Rs 26,000 crore for this initiative.

In line with PM Narendra Modi's commitment to the poor, the Central government decided to take up this drive on the same pattern as last year's PM Garib Kalyan Yojana.

PM Modi had emphasised that it is important to provide nutritional support to the poor of the country when the nation is also battling the second wave of coronavirus.

Below are the components of the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana:

Government of India would not allow anybody, especially any poor family, to suffer on account of non-availability of foodgrains due to disruption in the next three months.

80 crore individuals, i.e, roughly two-third of India’s population would be covered under this scheme.

Each one of them would be provided double of their current entitlement over next three months. 

This additionally would be free of cost.

5 kg free food grains were provided to around 80 crore beneficiaries.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had earlier on March 26 last year announced Rs 1.70 lakh crore relief package under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana for the poor to help them fight the battle against coronavirus.

Sitharaman then said the “measures are intended at reaching out to the poorest of the poor, with food and money in hands, so that they do not face difficulties in buying essential supplies and meeting essential needs”.