New Delhi: In a big relief for the nation’s poor, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the extension of Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) for another five months till the end of November.
Under the scheme, more than 80 crore citizens will continue to get five kgs of rice/wheat and a kilo of gram (chana) free of cost.
The Prime Minister made the announcement in view of upcoming festivals like Diwali and Chhath in a worsening pandemic situation.
“Keeping needs of expenses of people, it has been decided that the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana should now be extended till Diwali and Chhath Puja. The scheme will be extended till the end of November,” the Prime Minister said during his 16-minute address.
Modi said that more than Rs 90,000 crore will be spent in the expansion of the scheme and around 80 crore people across the country will be provided free ration — five kg wheat or 5 kg rice.
Though the country is currently in ‘Unlock 2’ mode to help revive the stagnant economy, the Prime Minister requested people to keep precautions and follow the guidelines.
On an average, there are around 18,000-20,000 Covid-19 cases reported every day and while the central government might be on the brink of coming up with a vaccine soon, the worry is still imminent given the expanse of the country and its demographic divide.
