Daily Current Affairs : 7-November-2023

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent announcement to extend the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) for another five years has significant implications for India’s food security landscape. This extension comes at a crucial time, considering the scheme’s initial end date in December 2023.

About Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana:

The PMGKAY, touted as the world’s largest food security scheme, was introduced to address the dire food needs of the poor and vulnerable during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is a crucial component of the relief package implemented to ensure adequate food for those in need.

Eligibility Criteria:
  • Families falling Below the Poverty Line (BPL) under Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) and Priority Households (PHH) qualify for the PMGKAY.
  • PHH identification is the responsibility of State Governments/Union Territory Administrations, while AAY families are identified based on criteria set by the Central Government.
NFSA Beneficiaries and Entitlements:
  • Two categories of beneficiaries under the National Food Security Act (NFSA): Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) households and Priority Households (PHs).
  • AAY households receive a fixed 35 kg of foodgrains monthly, while PHs receive foodgrains based on family size (5 kg per member).
Rate of Foodgrain Distribution under NFSA:
  • Highly subsidized rates for NFSA beneficiaries: Rs 3 per kg for rice, Rs 2 per kg for wheat, and Re 1 per kg for coarse grains.
Coverage under NFSA:
  • NFSA, enacted in 2013, aims to provide affordable and quality food to 50% of urban and 75% of rural populations.
  • National coverage of NFSA stands at approximately 67.5%, with 81.35 crore people identified based on 2011 Census data.
PM-GKAY vs. NFSA:
  • NFSA is a legislatively backed right-based scheme covering 81.35 crore persons, as of July 2022.
  • PM-GKAY acts as a top-up to NFSA, providing additional benefits but not extending coverage beyond the existing limit.
Important Points:
  • About PMGKAY:
    • World’s largest food security scheme.
    • Aims to ensure sufficient food during the COVID-19 crisis.
    • Part of the relief package during the pandemic.
  • Eligibility Criteria:
    • BPL families under Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) and Priority Households (PHH).
    • Identification by State Governments/Union Territory Administrations.
  • NFSA Beneficiaries and Entitlements:
    • Two categories: AAY households and PHs.
    • AAY: Fixed 35 kg of foodgrains monthly.
    • PHs: Foodgrains based on family size (5 kg per member).
  • Rate of Foodgrain Distribution under NFSA:
    • Highly subsidized rates: Rs 3 per kg for rice, Rs 2 per kg for wheat, Re 1 per kg for coarse grains.
  • Coverage under NFSA:
    • Enacted in 2013.
    • Aims to provide affordable, quality food to 50% of urban and 75% of rural populations.
    • National coverage: 67.5% (81.35 crore people based on 2011 Census).
  • PM-GKAY vs. NFSA:
    • NFSA is legislatively backed, covering 81.35 crore persons.
    • PM-GKAY acts as a top-up to NFSA, providing additional benefits without extending coverage.
Why In News

PM Modi has announced an extension of the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) free ration scheme for another five years, ensuring continued support for vulnerable populations even beyond the initially stipulated end date of December 2023, thereby reaffirming the government’s commitment to alleviating food insecurity among the underprivileged.

MCQs about PMGKAY Extension

  1. What is the main objective of the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY)?
    A. Providing financial assistance to farmers
    B. Ensuring food security for the poor and needy during crises
    C. Promoting employment in urban areas
    D. Improving healthcare infrastructure
    Correct Answer: B. Ensuring food security for the poor and needy during crises
    Explanation: PMGKAY aims to ensure sufficient food for the poor and vulnerable, particularly during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic.
  2. Who is eligible for the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY)?
    A. Only urban households
    B. Families with assured means of subsistence
    C. Only households with more than three members
    D. Below Poverty Line (BPL) families under AAY and PHH categories
    Correct Answer: D. Below Poverty Line (BPL) families under AAY and PHH categories
    Explanation: PMGKAY is for Below Poverty Line (BPL) families falling under Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) and Priority Households (PHH).
  3. What distinguishes the Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) households from Priority Households (PHs) under the National Food Security Act (NFSA)?
    A. AAY households receive more foodgrains than PHs
    B. PHs are entitled to fixed 35 kg of foodgrains monthly
    C. AAY households are identified based on state criteria
    D. PHs receive foodgrains based on family size (5 kg per member)
    Correct Answer: D. PHs receive foodgrains based on family size (5 kg per member)
    Explanation: AAY households receive a fixed 35 kg of foodgrains, while PHs receive foodgrains based on family size (5 kg per member).
  4. What differentiates the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) from the National Food Security Act (NFSA)?
    A. NFSA is a top-up to PMGKAY
    B. PMGKAY is legislatively backed, while NFSA is an executive scheme
    C. PMGKAY extends coverage beyond the accepted limit of 81.35 crore persons
    D. NFSA beneficiaries can only receive benefits from PMGKAY
    Correct Answer: B. PMGKAY is legislatively backed, while NFSA is an executive scheme providing additional benefits to NFSA beneficiaries without extending coverage.
    Explanation: NFSA is a legislatively backed scheme, while PMGKAY is an executive scheme providing additional benefits to NFSA beneficiaries without extending coverage.

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