Centre has approved the distribution of additional free foodgrains to 80 crores individuals under the PMGKAY programme until November

The Centre has approved the allocation of additional foodgrain under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana (Phase IV) – for another five months, from July to November 2021, at a rate of 5 kg per person per month free of cost for a maximum of 81.35 crore beneficiaries covered under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) (Antyodaya Anna Yojana and Priority Household (DBT).

The provision of additional food grains at no cost to a maximum of 81.35 crore people under the TPDS at a rate of 5 kg per person per month for five months will result in a food subsidy of Rs.64,031 crore.

Because the Government of India is carrying the full cost of this Scheme without any contribution from States or UTs, the Government of India will have to spend an additional Rs.3,234.85 crore on transportation, handling, and FPS dealer margins, among other things. As a result, the total anticipated expense to be paid by the Indian government is Rs.67,266.44 crore.

The Department of Food and Public Distribution will decide on the wheat/rice allocation. In addition, the Department of Food and Public Distribution may decide to extend the lifting/distribution period under PMGKAY Phases III and IV based on operational needs deriving from bad weather circumstances such as monsoons, snowfall, and supply chain and Covid-induced restrictions.

In terms of foodgrains, the total outlay might be around 204 LMT. Additional funding will help the poor who are suffering as a result of the Corona Virus's economic impact. In the next five months, no poor household will suffer because of food-grain shortages caused by disruption.