PRADHAN MANTRI GARIB KALYAN ANNA YOJNA

PRADHAN MANTRI GARIB KALYAN ANNA YOJNA

   (GS Paper III, Indian Economy)

                                            (Source- The Hindu)

 

Context:

  • The Union government announced that 5 Kg food grains would be provided to 80 crore beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojna (PMGKAY) in the month of May and June as many states are undergoing curfew due to surge in cases related to Covid-19.

 

About the scheme:

  • It is considered as the world’s largest food security scheme.
  • It was launched last year as a part of Atma Nirbhar Bharat relief package.
  • It aims at ensuring sufficient food for the poor and needy sections of the society. 
  • It will be provided to all the beneficiaries covered under Targeted Public Distribution System, Antyodaya Anna Yojna and Priority household ration card holders. 

 

Benefits of the scheme:

  • It will boost the food distribution programme of the government and hence ensure food security.
  • It will be helpful in eliminating hunger and malnutrition.
  • It will ensure the constitutional obligations enshrined in DPSP towards vulnerable sections of the society.
  • It will remove the extra burden from vulnerable sections during pandemic. 

 

Challenges:

  • It requires a coordinated effort between centre and state which is in a transition phase during pandemic.
  • Government machineries are busy in handling pandemic and elections which may impact the timely delivery of services.
  • Distribution of grains will also depend upon the storage and procurement of grains by the government. 

 

Solution:

  • Effective communication between centre and state would channelise the distribution of food grains.
  • Targeted PDS would be helpful in providing services
  • One Nation One Ration Card will play a supportive role in getting grains anywhere in the country.
  • Procurement of grains from farmers at MSP would help the government as well as the farmers.

-Khyati Khare

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