The Centre has named the new Integrated Food Security Scheme as Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Ann Yojana (PMGKAY). Earlier, the Union Cabinet had approved a new integrated food security scheme for providing free foodgrains to Antodaya Ann Yojna (AAY) and Primary Household (PHH) beneficiaries. Implementation of the new scheme has started from 1st of January this year, benefitting more than 80 crores of poor and poorest of poor people.
Keeping in view the welfare of the beneficiaries and in order to maintain uniformity across the States, free foodgrains will be provided under PMGKAY for the year 2023 to all PHH and AAY beneficiaries, as per entitlement under National Food Security Act, NFSA.
Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution in a statement said that the integrated scheme will strengthen the provisions of NFSA, 2013 in terms of accessibility, affordability, and availability of foodgrains for the poor. It said, necessary steps have already been taken for the smooth implementation of the PMGKAY in the field.
The Central Government will spend more than 2 lakh crore rupees in 2023 as food subsidies under NFSA and other welfare schemes, to remove the financial burden of the poor and the poorest of the poor.
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