Odisha CM writes to PM Modi, urges him to continue Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister, Naveen Patnaik has written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday relating to continuation of  PMGKAY scheme. 

In the letter, the CM has urged the PM  him to continue Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) beyond November 30,2021.  

In the letter the CM wrote, “I would like to convey my sincere thanks for providing seven months rice free of cost under ‘Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana’ (PMGKAY) for distribution to NFSA beneficiaries in the State from May 2021 to November 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic period.”

The CM then added, “Provision of food grains free of cost to people at this critical juncture ensured that not a single needy and vulnerable person was deprived of food grains during the pandemic.”

The CM in the letter informed that, “Odisha has prioritized distribution of seven months’ quota of PMGKAY-IM food grains to the NFSA beneficiaries and completed it by 5th of November 2021.”

Naveen Patnaik also said, “Similar facility was also extended to all the beneficiaries of the State covered under it’s own Food Security Scheme.”

Naveen then urged Modi to continue the scheme and wrote, “The effect of COVID-19 has not waned away yet completely despite a fast-paced vaccination drive undertaken across the State as cases of new infection continue to surface.”

“Also, other economic activities are yet to reach the pre-pandemic level as a result of which people still struggle to lead a normal life with sustainable means of livelihood. Under the prevailing situations, it is felt highly necessary that the Government must provide relief to the vulnerable during these critical hours.” added the CM.

A serious cause of concern in this, ‘ongoing pandemic scenario is the challenge of food security to the needy and vulnerable.

The CM then requested the PM and said,” Since adequate food grains are available at present with the Government, I would request you to kindly consider extension of additional allocation of rice at least for the next 8 (eight) months under PMGKAY for distribution among the beneficiaries under NFSA till the pandemic situation improves and complete normalcy is restored in the State of Odisha.”