In order to mitigate the woes of the economically weaker sections of society, the Uttar Pradesh government has so far distributed approximately one crore metric tons of free food grains across the state since the first wave of COVID-19 pandemic since April, 2020.

As per government’s directives, the distribution was carried out entirely through PoS devices with biometric Aadhaar and dealer authentication in a transparent manner.

The state government distributed around  76,39,378  MT of free food grains under PMGKAY, while approximately 23,60 lakh  MT of free ration was separately distributed by the government, which was in addition to the ration being distributed under PMGKAY. The total distribution amounts to 100 lakh or I crore MT in the state.

In order to help the migrants, poor and under-privileged sections to tide over the hardship of pandemic, the government is providing free 5 kg food grains to over 15 crore beneficiaries of the state. Under the scheme, each beneficiary receives 3 kg wheat and 2 kg rice.

During the last fiscal 2020-21, out of a total allocation of 58, 1 lakh MT food grains under PMGKAY-2020 (April-November 2020), approx 56,21 lakh MT  or around 96.87 per cent, has been distributed by the state.

In 2021 (PMGKAY III) so far, out of a total allocation of around 22,77 lakh MT food grains (May -July 2021) approximately 20,18 lakh  MT, which is  91.40 per cent, food grains have been distributed by the government.

Aiming to combat the fatal infection and also save the livelihoods of people, the state government is making all efforts to provide relief to the weaker sections. Along with PMGKAY, the UP government is also distributing free ration, giving double relief to the people. The distribution by the state continued from April to June in 2020, while in 2021, the Yogi Adityanath government announced the distribution to be carried out for the months of June, July and August.

“On the occasion of Anna Mahotsav on August 5, Prime Minister Narendra Modi would interact with the beneficiaries present at the select fair price shops of Uttar Pradesh through video conferencing. The ration distribution for August under PMGKAY will also commence on that day,” informed Additional Food Commissioner Anil Kumar Dubey.

PMGKAY was first introduced in 2020 for eight months to provide relief to around 15 crore beneficiaries covered under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) from Covid-induced economic hardships. There are more than 1.30 crore units of beneficiaries under the Antyodaya Anna Yojana and over 13, 41 crore units under Priority Household card holders.

Besides this, 43,572 card holders in other states and 6,616 card holders from other states took ration. Intra-district ration card portability is applicable in all urban and rural areas of the state. Also, a state level portability facility was applicable from February 5 last year. Under the One Nation, One Ration Card scheme, the facility of national portability has been implemented in the state since June last year, under which 43,572 card holders of the state have taken ration from other states and 6,616 card holders of other states have availed free ration in Uttar Pradesh.