New Delhi: The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the maximum number of 81.35 crore beneficiaries covered under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) (Antyodaya Anna Yojana and Priority Families) under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana (Phase IV), including direct Approved the allocation of free additional food grains at the rate of five kg per person per month for a further period of five months i.e. from July to November 2021, including those covered under Transfer of Benefit (DBT). is.
In 2020, the Government of India has extended the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PM-PMAY) to all beneficiaries covered under the National Food Security Act, 2013 (NFSA) as part of the PM Garib Kalyan Package for the poor for the period April-November 2020. GKAY) was announced. Due to the outbreak of COVID-19 in the country, about 80 crore NFSA beneficiaries were allotted an additional 5 kg of food grains (wheat or rice) for a period of 8 months (April-November 2020), thereby reducing the economic disruptions caused by the poor/vulnerable beneficiaries/ Food security of families ensured. Under PM-GKAY 2020 (April-November 2020) a total of about 321 lakh metric tonnes of food grains were allocated by the department to all the states/UTs, about 305 lakh metric tonnes of food grains were lifted by the states/UTs and total 298 lakh metric tonnes of food grains (i.e. about 93 per cent of the allocated quantity) were distributed across the country.
In 2021, in line with PMGKAY-2020, due to the ongoing severe COVID-19 pandemic across the country and economic disruptions in its wake, the Government of India has extended the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PM-GKAY) for a period of two months i.e. May 2021 and June 2021. for which the estimated expenditure is about Rs.26,602 crore. A total allocation of over 79 lakh metric tonnes of food grains was made for this purpose. Under PM-GKAY 2021 (May-June 2021), so far more than 76 lakh metric tonnes of food grains i.e. more than 96 per cent of the allocated food grains have been lifted by the States/UTs. In addition, more than 35 lakh metric tonnes of food grains (i.e. around 90 per cent of the monthly allocation) were distributed by the States/UTs for May 2021 and over 23 lakh metric tonnes for June 2021 (i.e. around 59 per cent of the monthly allocation). percent) was distributed. Around 80 crore NFSA beneficiaries are getting 5 kg additional free food grains (wheat or rice) for the months of May 2021 and June 2021.
In order to review the situation of COVID-19 in the country and help the poor and needy during the crisis, Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi while addressing the nation on 7 June 2021 extended the PM-GKAY (2021) scheme for a further period of five months. Announced to extend till Diwali in November 2021. Additional allocation of 5 kg of food grains (wheat or rice) comprising a total quantity of about 204 lakh metric tonnes of food grains for a period of 5 months will be provided to around 80 crore NFSA beneficiaries with an estimated financial outlay of Rs 67,266 crore. This additional free allocation of food grains will be in addition to the regular monthly food grains allotted to the beneficiaries covered under NFSA. The entire cost of this additional allocation under PM-GKAY, including expenses on intra-state transportation, dealers’ margin, etc., will be borne by the Government of India without sharing with the States/UTs.