New Delhi: The Central government on Wednesday announced the extension of Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) by 5 years from January 1, 2024.
As per PMGKAY scheme, poor people of identified families receive 5 kg of free foodgrains per month and Antyodaya households get 35 kg of free foodgrains per month. It will benefit nearly 81 crore people.
Union minister Anurag Thakur announced that the Central government will spend Rs 11.80 lakh crore over the next five years to support poor families.
PMGKAY was introduced in 2020 as a relief measure during COVID-19 pandemic, under which 5 kg of free foodgrains per beneficiary per month was provided besides 5 kg of subsidised foodgrain under National Food Security Act (NFSA).
The Union cabinet on Wednesday also announced an outlay of Rs 1,261 crore for two years, beginning 2024-25 fiscal year, to provide drones to 15,000 women Self Help Groups (SHGs).
