Fact Box: Antyodaya Anna Yojana
Haryana lifts VAT on wheat given by AAY
Haryana has exempted from Value Added Tax for wheat being given to beneficiaries of Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) under the Public Distribution System (PDS). The move would benefit such beneficiaries to the tune of about Rs 1.50 crore in a year. The State has also got rid of the VAT on distribution of kerosene oil under the PDS.
What is Antyodaya Anna Yojana?
- AAY was launched by the cetral government in December 2000.
- Under the scheme 1 crore of the poorest among the BPL families covered under the targeted public distribution system are identified.
- Twenty five kilograms (kg) of food grains were made available to each eligible family at a highly subsidized rate of Rs. 2 per kg for wheat and Rs.3 per kg for rice. This quantity has been enhanced from 25 to 35 kgs with effect from April, 2002.
- The scheme has been further expanded in June 2003 by adding another 50 lakh BPL families. Under the scheme, during 2002-03, against an allocation of 41.27 lakh tonnes of foodgrain, 35.39 lakh tonnes have been lifted by State Governments, and during 2003-04, 38.24 lakh tonnes of food-grain have been lifted against an allocation of 45.56 lakh tonnes.
Month: Current Affairs - February, 2013
Category: Government Schemes Current Affairs