The Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) is an initiative by the Indian government, launched in 2020, as a part of its response to mitigate the hardships faced by the poor and vulnerable due to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. This scheme was aimed at ensuring sufficient food for the most affected populations by providing additional free-of-cost grains.
Overview of PMGKAY
The PMGKAY was designed to augment the existing food security measures for those covered under the National Food Security Act (NFSA). As per the provisions of the scheme, each individual who is a beneficiary under the NFSA is entitled to receive an additional 5 kg of rice or wheat per month, without any cost. Additionally, each family covered by the scheme would also receive 1 kg of pulses per month, which is intended to provide necessary nutritional support.
Distribution and Allocation of Food Grains
In the previous year, the Central Government allocated a substantial amount of food grains for distribution under the PMGKAY. A total of 32.2 million tonnes of food grains were set aside to be provided to the beneficiaries for free. This large-scale allocation was part of the government’s effort to support individuals facing food insecurity during the pandemic, ensuring that the basic dietary needs of the poorest families were met during such a critical time.
Impact of the Second Wave on the Scheme
With the advent of the second wave of COVID-19, the Indian economy suffered another blow, leading to renewed concerns over the well-being of the economically weaker sections of society. Given the resurgence of the virus and the subsequent economic challenges, several state governments have voiced their support for the continuation of the PMGKAY. These states have recognized the importance of the scheme in providing relief to those who have been hit hardest by the pandemic.
State Governments’ Stance on PMGKAY Resumption
The call for the resumption of the PMGKAY by various state governments underscores the ongoing need for food assistance programs amidst the pandemic’s lingering effects. State leaders have urged the Central Government to reinstate the scheme to prevent further distress among the poor, who are still grappling with the economic fallout of COVID-19. The continuation of the scheme is seen as a crucial step in ensuring that no individual goes hungry and that nutritional needs are adequately addressed during these challenging times.
Eligibility and Beneficiaries
The eligibility for the PMGKAY is directly linked to the NFSA, which aims to provide subsidized food grains to approximately two-thirds of India’s population. Under the NFSA, households are categorized into Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) households and Priority Households (PHH), with AAY households being those with the most severe levels of poverty. The PMGKAY extends additional benefits to these already identified households, reaching a wide spectrum of the society in need of food security.
Implementation and Challenges
The implementation of the PMGKAY involves coordination between the central and state governments, along with the involvement of various agencies responsible for the procurement, storage, and distribution of food grains. While the scheme has been largely successful in providing relief, it has also faced challenges such as ensuring the grains reach the intended beneficiaries, preventing leakages, and maintaining the quality of food supplies.
The PMGKAY represents a significant effort by the Indian government to address food insecurity during the unprecedented crisis brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. It showcases the government’s commitment to supporting vulnerable populations through targeted food aid and highlights the critical role of social safety nets in times of crisis. As the pandemic continues to pose challenges, the demand for the resumption of such schemes reflects the ongoing need for sustained support for the nation’s poor.