• UGI USER
  • May 28, 2024
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“INDIA TO INCREASE RICE ALLOCATION AMID RECORD HIGH STOCK LEVELS”

Why in the news?

  • India’s rice stocks in state-owned granaries are at a record high, prompting the government to consider reducing inventories by increasing rice allocation in the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) and lowering prices for open market sales.
  • Despite the surplus, rice inflation remains high due to insufficient uptake of government rice in the open market, primarily because of pricing and preference for non-fortified varieties.

About Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY):

  • Launched: 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic
  • Purpose: Provide 5 kg of free food grains to eligible ration card holders under the National Food Security Act, 2013 (NFSA).
  • Extensions: Till December 2023, and further extended for five years.
  • Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Finance
  • CostOverall Expenditure: Rs. 3.91 lakh crore for all phases
 Source:PIB
About National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013:

  • Notified On:10th September, 2013.

Coverage:

  • 75% of the rural population.
  • Up to 50% of the urban population.
  • Overall, it covers 67% of the total population.

Eligibility:

  • Priority Households as per State government guidelines.
  • Households under Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY).

Provisions:

  • Foodgrains:5 Kgs per person per month at Rs. 3/2/1 per Kg for rice/wheat/coarse grains.
  • AAY households receive 35 Kgs of foodgrains per household per month.

Associated Article:

https://universalinstitutions.com/pradhan-mantri-garib-kalyan-anna-yojana-pmgkay-ensuring-food-security/

https://universalinstitutions.com/a-5-trillion-economy-but-for-whom/