The PM Garib Kalyan Ann Yojna (PMGKAY), a free foodgrain programme that helps over 800 million impoverished people, would be extended for another five years, according to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“Going by the government's scheme, PMGKAY is ending this December. But your son who has seen poverty, lived with it and came from among you (poor), has taken another decision. I have decided that the BJP government will extend the scheme to provide free foodgrain to 800 million poor for the next five years. This is not a political promise, this is Modi’s guarantee," the Prime Minister said while addressing an election rally in Durg in Chhattisgarh.
The announcement, which is anticipated to result in an annual subsidy of £20 billion, ignited the beginning of what will undoubtedly be a bustling election season and raised hopes for other welfare initiatives ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha campaign.
Although there was a chance the programme would be extended until the middle of 2024, many were surprised to learn that it would be extended for a further five years by a government that would need to apply for a mandate renewal in the coming months. This move is likely to support Modi's "pro-poor" agenda.
On the government’s focus to ensure that all beneficiaries of the world’s biggest food security programme get their entitlement, the PM also said that with ‘One Nation One Ration Card’ in place, those entitled to get the free 5kg foodgrain from any part of the country, including migrant workers from Chhattisgarh or any other part, can avail this anywhere.