Free foodgrain distribution for five more years; Garib Kalyan Yojana scheme extended

NEW DELHI: Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana, the central government's public distribution scheme for Antyodaya Anna Yojana families and those belonging to priority groups, has been extended for another five years. Union Minister Anurag Thakur announced that it has been decided to extend the scheme for another five years from January 1, 2024.

The poor of the selected families under this scheme will get free food grains of 5 kg per month. About 80 crore people are the beneficiaries of the scheme. Anurag Thakur also informed that the central government will spend 11.80 lakh crore rupees for the project in the next five years.

The central government started the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana during the Covid era. Under the scheme, ration card holders will get an additional five kg of grains. Chickpea is also provided as part of the Surplus Food Distribution programme.