NEW DELHI: The free foodgrains scheme implemented by the central government during the covid period will continue. The Union Cabinet today decided to extend it for another six months. The decision was taken as the project was due to expire on March 31.

Pradhan Mantri Gareeb Kalyan Yojana, a free foodgrains scheme, was launched in March 2020 during the lockdown. The project was later extended to March 2022. Now it has been extended to September 2022.

The Prime Minister's Garib Kalyan Yojana provides 5 kg of food grains per member of a priority family. The project was implemented at a cost of Rs 26,000 crore.