The Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PM-GKAY) is a food security scheme launched by the Government of India in March 2020 to provide free food grains to the poor and vulnerable during the COVID-19 pandemic.Under the scheme, eligible beneficiaries receive 5 kg of food grains per person per month, free of cost. The scheme was initially launched for three months, but has been extended several times and is currently in effect until December 2023.The PM-GKAY scheme is implemented through the Public Distribution System (PDS), which is a network of over 500,000 fair price shops across India. Eligible beneficiaries can avail of the scheme by presenting their ration cards at these fair price shops.The PM-GKAY scheme has been a major success in providing food security to the poor during the pandemic. It has helped to prevent hunger and malnutrition, and has also provided a much-needed boost to the economy.The scheme has been hailed by both domestic and international observers as a model for other countries to follow.Here are some of the key features of the PM-GKAY scheme:Universal coverage: The scheme covers all eligible beneficiaries under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), including those who are not normally entitled to free food grains.Generous entitlements: The scheme provides free food grains at a rate of 5 kg per person per month, which is significantly higher than the normal entitlements under the NFSA.Simple and transparent implementation: The scheme is implemented through the PDS, which is a well-established and efficient network.Effective monitoring: The scheme is being closely monitored by the government to ensure that it is reaching its intended beneficiaries.The PM-GKAY scheme is a significant step towards achieving the goal of food security for all in India. The scheme has made a real difference in the lives of millions of poor people, and it is hoped that it will continue to do so for many years to come.Free ration scheme extended for next 5 years: PM ModiIn view of the upcoming assembly elections in five states, including Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday had made the announcement for the extension of the free ration scheme for next five years.PM Modi made the announcement during his public rally in Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh. I have decided that the BJP government will extend the scheme of providing free ration to 80 crore poor people of the country for the next 5 years. Your affections and blessings give me the power to take such decisions, PM Modi said at the election rally in Durg.Making a similar announcement in Ratlam, he said the extension of the free ration scheme is guarantee of Modi.80 करोड़ लोगों को पीएम मोदी का दिवाली तोहफा!पीएम मोदी ने प्रधानमंत्री गरीब कल्याण अन्न योजना को आने वाले पांच साल के लिए बढ़ाने का ऐलान किया।योजना के तहत देश के करोड़ों गरीब लोगों को सरकार की ओर से मुफ्त राशन मुहैया कराया जाता है।पूरा देखें: https://t.co/GORcXI8Z5i pic.twitter.com/oamHaONnJv— BJP (@BJP4India) November 5, 2023
