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What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
This commitment comes at an estimated cost of Rs. 11.80 lakh crore over a five-year period, making it a crucial lifeline for the vulnerable sections of society.
NEW DELHI: In a move towards supporting the underprivileged, the Cabinet, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has announced the extension of the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) for an additional five years, till December 2028.
The extension of the scheme, which was initially started during the COVID pandemic, has positioned itself as one of the world’s most extensive social welfare schemes catering to approximately 81.35 crore impoverished individuals. This commitment comes at an estimated cost of Rs. 11.80 lakh crore over a five-year period, making it a crucial lifeline for the vulnerable sections of society.
Commencing from January 1, 2024, the provision of free food grains, including rice, wheat, and coarse grains/millets, aims to strengthen food security and alleviate financial hardships for the poor. This initiative will ensure nationwide consistency in delivering free food grains across all States/UTs through a network of over 5 lakh Fair Price Shops, presenting a united front under a common logo.
The extension of PMGKAY is designed to provide sustainable relief to the affected sections of society, fostering a long-term pricing strategy with zero costs to the beneficiaries. The economic cost of 35 kg of rice for an Antyodaya family amounts to Rs. 1371, and the cost of 35 kg of wheat comes to Rs. 946, all borne by the Government of India under PMGKAY, providing these essential food grains completely free to the families.
The economic implications, especially the significant monthly savings for ration cardholders, underscore the positive impact on households, contributing to effective penetration of the Public Distribution System.
