States, UTs lifted 44 lakh tonnes under PMGKAY-2

A total of over 44 lakh tonnes food grains have been lifted by the States and Union Territories till date under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Ann Yojana – 2. The Consumer Affairs Ministry has declared that a total of 201 lakh tonnes of food grains will be distributed among 81 crore beneficiaries under the scheme, in all over the country.

Highlights

Amid the COVID 19-induced lockdown, the central government has started the PMGKAY scheme to provide foodgrains to the BPL and needy families in the country. Later, this scheme was extended till November 30 in order to cover more people for a longer duration. The objective was to make foodgrains available to all in the country. Apart from foodgrains, a total of 12 lakh tonnes chana will also be distributed in this scheme to 19 crore families. This is being done from the over 759 lakh tonnes food grain stock available with Food Corporation of India.

What is PMGKAY-2?

The scheme was first started as part of Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Ann Package to help the poor fight COVID 19 pandemic in the country. The first instalment was announced for a three month period from April to June covering 80 crores ration cardholders in the country. All the families covered under the National Food Security Act are provided with an additional 5 kg grains for free, in addition to the 5 kg of subsidized foodgrain already provided through the Public Distribution System. Apart from that, the beneficiaries are also entitled to 1 kg of pulse for free. Now, this scheme has been extended till November 30, 2020, as part of its second phase, which commenced on July 01, 2020.

Month: Current Affairs - August, 2020