09 Nov Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Ann Yojana (PMGKAY) Scheme
This article covers “Daily Current Affairs” and the topic details “ PMGKAY Scheme”. This topic has relevance in the Social Justice section of the UPSC CSE exam.
GS 3: Social Justice
Why in the news?
The PM Garib Kalyan Ann Yojana (PMGKAY) scheme, originally set to conclude in December, has now been extended for an additional five years.
About PMGKAY
Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Ann Yojana, is part of the broader Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package (PMGKP) designed to assist the economically disadvantaged in their battle against the challenges posed by Covid-19. This scheme offers crucial support through the following key points:
- Additional Grain Allocation: PM-GKAY seeks to provide each individual covered under the National Food Security Act 2013 with an extra 5 kilograms of grains, which can be either wheat or rice. This allocation is provided free of cost, in addition to the 5 kilograms of food grains already available at subsidized rates through the Public Distribution System (PDS).
- Duration: Initially introduced for a three-month period encompassing April, May, and June of 2020, PM-GKAY was aimed at benefiting 80 crore ration cardholders. However, recognizing the prolonged effects of the pandemic, it was subsequently extended until December 2023.
- Nodal Ministry: The Ministry of Finance is responsible for the implementation and administration of the PM-GKAY scheme.
- Portability Feature: The benefits of free rations offered under PM-GKAY are made accessible to beneficiaries through the concept of portability. This means that migrants and eligible individuals can avail these rations from nearly 5 lakh ration shops located across the country. This feature is facilitated by the One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC) plan, ensuring that individuals can access their entitled provisions conveniently, even when they are away from their registered place of residence.
Positive Impacts:
- Food Security: The PMGKAY scheme ensures continued food security for vulnerable sections of society. It plays a crucial role in addressing the issue of hunger in the country by providing free food grains to approximately 80 crore beneficiaries.
- Social Welfare: This scheme serves as a vital social welfare program, offering essential food items at highly subsidized rates. It plays a critical role in alleviating poverty and malnutrition among underprivileged individuals.
Negative Impacts:
- Economic Implications: Sustaining the PMGKAY scheme may raise concerns about its long-term economic implications. The substantial cost of providing free food grains poses challenges in terms of budgetary allocation and fiscal pressure.
- Dependency: Continuous extension of free food distribution may potentially create a sense of dependency among certain sections of society, reducing their self-sufficiency and economic independence.
- Highlights Economic Distress and Inequality: The PMGKAY scheme reflects the prolonged financial struggles faced by a significant portion of the populace. It underscores the lack of substantial income growth in parallel with the rising prices of essential goods, signifying persistent economic distress and growing economic inequality across the country.
Way Ahead:
- Empowerment Programs: The government can initiate skill development and empowerment programs alongside the PMGKAY to facilitate the transition of beneficiaries towards self-sustainability.
- Long-term Planning: There should be a focus on initiatives for economic growth and job creation that can uplift the living standards of individuals, reducing their dependence on welfare schemes.
- Monitoring and Evaluation: Strong monitoring mechanisms should be implemented to ensure that the benefits of these welfare schemes are reaching the intended beneficiaries and making a positive impact.
- Rationalization: Periodic evaluations should be considered to rationalize the scheme, ensuring that it remains targeted, efficient, and caters to those who need it the most while preventing misuse or leakage of resources.
Download plutus ias current affairs eng med 09th Nov 2023
Q.1 Which of the following statements regarding the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Ann Yojana (PM-GKAY) is/are correct?
- It provides additional free food grains to beneficiaries covered under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) in addition to the regular subsidized grains provided through the Public Distribution System (PDS).
- The Ministry of Rural Development is the nodal ministry responsible for the implementation of PM-GKAY.
- The Scheme can also be availed by migrants not living in their home state.
How many of the above statement/s is/are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Q.2 Food security is a critical aspect of India’s socio-economic development. How has the National Food Security Act contributed to addressing the issue of food security? Analyze the role of food distribution systems, public policies, and their impact on food security in India.
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