Daily Current Affairs : 1-December-2023
The Union Cabinet’s recent announcement to extend the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) for another five years, commencing on January 1, 2024, reflects the government’s commitment to addressing food security challenges, particularly in the context of the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.
About Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana:
Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana stands as the world’s largest food security scheme, designed to ensure an adequate food supply for the impoverished during the pandemic. Initiated as part of the first COVID-19 relief package, the scheme mandates the distribution of foodgrains to beneficiaries under the public distribution system.
- Beneficiaries receive 5kg of foodgrains and 1 kg of Gram per month.
Eligibility Criteria:
The scheme targets families falling under the Below Poverty Line, including Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) and Priority Households (PHH). Eligibility is determined based on specific criteria set by state governments and union territories.
- Criteria include households headed by widows, terminally ill persons, disabled individuals, those aged 60 years or more with no assured means of subsistence, and primitive tribal households, among others.
NFSA Beneficiaries and Entitlements:
Under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), beneficiaries are categorized as Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) households and Priority Households (PHs). AAY households are entitled to 35 kg of foodgrains monthly, while PHs receive foodgrains based on family size.
- Each member of a PH is entitled to 5 kg of foodgrains monthly.
- Foodgrains are provided at highly subsidized rates: rice at Rs 3 per kg, wheat at Rs 2 per kg, and coarse grains at Re 1 per kg.
Coverage under NFSA:
The NFSA aims to provide access to quality food at affordable prices to 50% of the urban and 75% of the rural population. As of July 2022, 79.77 crore persons out of the accepted figure of 81.35 crore had been identified, leaving room for additional identification and inclusion.
PM-GKAY vs. NFSA:
While the NFSA operates under parliamentary law, the PM-GKAY is an executive scheme providing additional benefits to existing NFSA beneficiaries without extending coverage beyond the accepted limit of 81.35 crore persons.
Important Points:
- PMGKAY Extension:
- Union Cabinet announces a 5-year extension starting from January 1, 2024.
- Reflects commitment to addressing food security challenges, especially during the COVID-19 crisis.
- About PMGKAY:
- World’s largest food security scheme.
- Aims to ensure sufficient food for the poor during the pandemic.
- Part of the first COVID-19 relief package.
- Eligibility Criteria:
- Targets families below the poverty line.
- Includes Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) and Priority Households (PHH).
- Criteria set by state governments and union territories.
- NFSA Beneficiaries and Entitlements:
- Two categories: AAY households and PHs.
- AAY households entitled to 35 kg of foodgrains monthly.
- PHs receive foodgrains based on family size (5 kg per member).
- Highly subsidized rates: rice (Rs 3 per kg), wheat (Rs 2 per kg), coarse grains (Re 1 per kg).
- Coverage under NFSA:
- Aims to provide affordable food to 50% of urban and 75% of rural population.
- As of July 2022, 79.77 crore persons identified out of 81.35 crore accepted figure.
- Room for additional identification and inclusion.
- PMGKAY vs. NFSA:
- NFSA operates under parliamentary law.
- PM-GKAY is an executive scheme.
- Provides additional benefits to existing NFSA beneficiaries without extending coverage.
Why In News
The Union Cabinet, in a landmark decision, announced the extension of the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) scheme for another five years, starting from January 1, 2024, reaffirming its commitment to ensuring food security and alleviating poverty across the nation.
MCQs about PMGKAY’s Vital 5-Year Extension in Review
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Who are eligible beneficiaries under PMGKAY?
A. Only urban households
B. Families above the poverty line
C. Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) and Priority Households (PHH)
D. High-income earners
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What is the primary objective of NFSA?
A. Ensuring affordable healthcare
B. Enhancing educational opportunities
C. Providing quality food at affordable prices
D. Promoting sustainable agriculture
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How does PMGKAY differ from NFSA?
A. PMGKAY extends coverage beyond NFSA limits
B. NFSA is an executive scheme, while PMGKAY is parliamentary law
C. PMGKAY provides additional benefits without extending coverage
D. NFSA is solely focused on urban areas
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