Indian government extends free ration scheme by 5 years
The Government of India has extended the PMGKAY to provide free ration to 80 crore poor people for five more years.
New Delhi: The Government of India has announced extension of the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyana Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) to provide free ration to 80 crore poor people for five more years. The extension will remain valid till December 2028.
Earlier this month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the Centre would extend the free ration scheme for five years while addressing an election rally in Chhattisgarh.
The Prime Minister’s Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) was launched in April 2020 to support the economically disadvantaged population during a nationwide lockdown aimed at controlling the spread of Covid.
Initially designed for a three-month period, the program was subsequently extended. Through this initiative, impoverished households are provided with 5 kg of food grains on a monthly basis as part of a free ration distribution scheme.