The Centre on Monday said distribution of free foodgrains under the fourth phase of the Pradhan Mantra Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) has started in seven states and about 14,700 tonnes have been given to beneficiaries so far.
About 70.6 lakh tonnes of foodgrains were distributed in the third phase of PMGKAY between May and June. On ration card portability facility, the Government said the remaining four states —Assam, Chhattisgarh, Delhi and West Bengal — are expected to come on board soon.
PMGKAY was first introduced in 2020 for eight months to provide relief to 80 crore beneficiaries covered under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) from COVID-induced economic hardships.
The scheme was reintroduced this year for third phase implementation for two months till June and later extended till November under the fourth phase.
Free grains are provided under PMGKAY over and above the quota allocated at highly subsidised rates under NFSA to these beneficiaries. Food Secretary Sudhanshu Pandey said during the third phase of PMGKAY, “about 89 per cent of the allocated foodgrains was distributed to beneficiaries. The distribution was 94 per cent in May and it should reach that level in a week or so.”
There was a delay as states follow different
cycles of distribution of ration. However, the distribution is picking up in
Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan and Jharkhand, he said in a virtual press briefing. “We are insisting states to distribute grains allocated under the NFSA and PMGKAY separately,” he added.
“Distribution of phase-IV foodgrains has commenced in seven states and union territories. And about 14,700 tonnes of foodgrains have been distributed till July 5,” a senior food ministry official said.
The Centre has already allocated 198.78 lakh tonnes of foodgrains for July-November period under the scheme to all States.
Around 16 States/UTs have started lifting the grains. Nearly 4 lakh tonnes have been lifted by these states till July 5.
Most States have assured that distribution would take place in a seamless manner, the official said.