Cabinet Approves Extension of 'PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana' for Another 5 Years

In a significant move aimed at providing continued support to the vulnerable sections of society, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has given the green light to extend the Garib Kalyan food grain programme for an additional five years. The decision underscores the government's commitment to ensuring food security for eligible citizens under the public distribution scheme.

The Garib Kalyan Yojana, initiated during the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, has been a lifeline for ration cardholders, offering an additional five kilograms of grains, be it wheat or rice, according to the individual's preference. Moreover, chana has been included as part of this supplementary food distribution initiative.

The Prime Minister had earlier expressed the government's intent to extend the Garib Kalyan Yojana during election rallies, emphasizing the ongoing commitment to social welfare. The Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY), launched in April 2020, initially aimed to alleviate the hardships faced by the poor and needy due to economic disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Originally announced for a three-month period (April-June 2020), the PMGKAY scheme saw seven consecutive phases of extension until December 2022, benefitting a staggering 80 crore beneficiaries. During an election rally in Durg on November 4, Prime Minister Modi reiterated the government's dedication to extending the free ration scheme for an additional five years.

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"I am pleased to announce that the BJP government will prolong the initiative of offering free ration to 80 crore underprivileged individuals across the nation for the next five years. Your support and blessings empower me to make such decisions," stated PM Modi at the rally. He highlighted that the benefits of this extension would allow recipients to address other crucial necessities with the savings.

Earlier, as part of its commitment to easing the financial burden on poor beneficiaries and ensuring uniformity and effective implementation of the National Food Security Act (NFSA), the central government had decided to provide free food grains to NFSA beneficiaries for one year, starting from January 01, 2023. This extension underscores the government's unwavering dedication to uplifting the socio-economic conditions of the nation's most vulnerable populations.

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