New Delhi. PM Garib Kalyan Yojana (PMGKY) is a central government scheme that aims to provide free food grains to poor families through the Public Distribution System (PDS). It was launched in 2016 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and launched by the Finance Ministry on 17 December 2016. This scheme proved beneficial for many people during the COVID-19 pandemic.
What is PM Garib Kalyan Yojana?
• The primary objective behind PMGKY is to penalize tax evasion and bring black money into the mainstream economy.
• Under this scheme, black money deposited in banks by corrupt persons will be used by the government for the development of the poor, thereby aiding the welfare of the marginalized sections of the society.
This scheme has been extended several times. Initially it was planned to run till January 1, 2024, the government has extended it till 2028. In short, PMGKY provides five kilograms of free food grains to more than 81 crore poor individuals.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the expansion of PMGKY was aimed at ensuring food and nutrition security with an estimated cost of Rs 11.8 trillion over five years. This initiative could potentially unify the country under one ration card, ensure portability and strengthen the platform for future options.
Beneficiaries under PM Garib Kalyan Yojana (PMGKY) include
• Families covered under Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY)
• Families covered under National Food Security Act (NFSA)
• Families availing free LPG connections under Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY).
• Daily wage labourers, construction labourers, auto-rickshaw drivers and urban unemployed laborers
• Families below the poverty line, widows, persons suffering from terminal illnesses, persons with disabilities and people aged 60 years and above who have no income or social support.
Allocation of grains under PM Garib Kalyan Yojana (PMGKY)
• Individuals covered under AAY get 35 kg of grains per person.
• Individuals covered under NFSA get 5 kg of grains per person.
Importance of PM Garib Kalyan Yojana (PMGKY):
PM Garib Kalyan Yojana (PMGKY) is an important scheme providing food security to poor households, especially those adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic or facing economic difficulties. This ensures that these families do not have to worry about their food and can survive during the crisis.