Free Grain Under PMGKAY
Source : PIB
GS III : Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections

Why in News ?

Of the 40 lakh tonnes of free foodgrains promised under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana one lakh tonnes has been distributed so far.

Key Facts

• In the first 10 days, PMGKAY grains reached 2.03 crore of the 80 crore benefits with 13 States and Union  territories having started distribution.
• The States which have started distribution of the 5 kg of free rice and wheat include Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tripura and Uttarakhand.
• The progress is on expected lines, given the eight month experience of implementing the PMGKAY during the first wave of COVID19 in 2020.
• The Centre was also selling  its food grain stock at a discounted rate to NGOs and to State governments for those with State ration cards.
• Concerns Raised
  • Migrants are facing distress during the current local lockdowns.
  • They seeking a resumption of last year’s scheme to give free food grains to those without ration cards as well.

Failure of the Scheme : According to the Food and Public Distribution most of the free grain failed to be distributed to intended recipients. Later announced the extension of PMGKAY up to November 2020