Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana: News of relief has arrived for needy families across the country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced that the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana has been extended until November. The government has taken this important decision, keeping in mind the festive season, to ensure food security for vulnerable sections.
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Extension of Free Ration Scheme
The Prime Minister stated that the need increases during major festivals like Diwali and Chhath. In light of this, the decision has been taken to extend the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana until the last week of November. During this period, the government will provide 5 kg of free wheat or rice per person and 1 kg of gram per family to poor families. This extension will cost the government an additional ₹90,000 crore. The total expenditure from the scheme’s inception until November will reach approximately ₹1.5 lakh crore.
Direct Assistance in Bank Accounts
The Prime Minister stated that financial assistance has also been transferred directly to bank accounts during the past three months. Nearly 200 million poor families received ₹31,000 crore in Jan Dhan accounts. Over 90 million farmers received ₹18,000 crore directly into their bank accounts, providing financial support to a large number of families during difficult times.
Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package
Announced by the Finance Minister to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and provide relief to people during the lockdown, this package assisted ₹1.70 lakh crore. This package included free rations for the poor, money transfers to women’s Jan Dhan accounts, assistance to senior citizens, and financial assistance to farmers. Three free LPG cylinders were also provided to beneficiaries of the Ujjwala Yojana. Wages under MNREGA were also increased to boost the income of rural families.
One Nation, One Ration Card
The government is implementing the One Nation, One Ration Card system across the country. This will enable migrant workers and homeless people to use their ration cards from anywhere in the country. This will significantly benefit millions of families.
Application Process
There is no separate process required to avail of free rations. Those with a ration card will automatically benefit from this scheme. Those without a ration card can apply for one.
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Facts about the Scheme’s Inception
The Garib Kalyan Yojana was established after the demonetization of November 2016. It provided tax relief to those who disclosed black money. A portion of the funds deposited under this scheme was earmarked for the welfare of the poor, which was then spent on various welfare schemes.
