After successful implementation of Prime Minister Garib Kalyan Ann Yojana (PMGKAY) from April to June this year, the government extended this scheme for another five months from July to November this year itself.
About 81 crore beneficiaries covered under National Food Security Act (NFSA) and Antyodaya Ann Yojana (AAY) are being provided five kilograms of rice/wheat free of cost under the scheme. The total allocation for PMGKAY II from July to November is 200.19 LMT (91.33 LMT Wheat and 109.96 LMT rice). There has been very enthusiastic response from the state governments as well as beneficiaries. The scheme was rolled out on July 8 and till July 27 a quantity of 33.40 LMT foodgrains (13.42 LMT wheat and 19.98 LMT rice) has already been handed over to state governments across the country for further distribution to the beneficiaries, which is about 83 percent of the allocation for the month of July.
Including the additional allocation of 200.19 LMT for PMGKAY II, the total quantity of foodgrains that will be distributed by the government to the vulnerable sections of the society during the five months will be about 455 LMT. Every beneficiary under NFSA and AAY shall receive five kilogram wheat or rice for free in addition to their regular quota of foodgrain at subsidised prices.
Extensive and detailed logistical planning has already been done by Food Corporation of India (FCI) to ensure that food grain stocks reach every part of the country as per the allocation over these five months. This is a huge challenge as it is double the normal allocation and the existing warehousing capacities and transportation systems are based on the regular allocations. However, FCI is fully geared up for the challenge and its ability to deliver in the most trying circumstances has already been demonstrated during the lockdown period when new records were set in terms of logistical operations. It will be ensured that foodgrains reach every corner of the country as per allocations and the stated objective of the government that no poor person will have to remain hungry for want of food will be achieved.
FCI has already wound up the procurement operations for the current season and has set new records in procurement of both wheat and rice. A total of 389.76 LMT wheat and 504.91 LMT rice has been procured in the just concluded crop season. Going by the present trend of progress of monsoon, the coming Kharif season of 2020-21 is also expected to be a good one.