Team Blitz India
NEW DELHI: The Union Cabinet, chaired by PM Modi, on November 29 decided to provide free grains to eligible citizens under the public distribution scheme for another five years.
The PM Garib Kalyam Yogna was initially started during the start of the Covid pandemic, where ration card holders were entitled to receive an additional five kg grains (wheat or rice of individual’s choice). Also, chana was also being provided as part of the additional food distribution programme.
The Centre’s intention to extend the PM Garib Kalyam Yojana was mentioned by PM Modi himself during his election rallies earlier this month. The Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) was launched in April 2020 with the specific purpose of ameliorating the hardships faced by the poor and needy due to economic disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in the country.
Initially, in 2020-21, the PMGKAY scheme was announced only for a period of three months (April- June 2020), however, it was extended until December 2022 in seven consecutive phases.