ANS: Union Cabinet has decided to extend the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PM-GKAY) scheme for a further period of three months from October to December this year.
Talking to the reporters Anurag Thakur, Information and Broadcasting Minister said, the decision will benefit 80 crore people. Around122 lakh metric tonnes foodgrains will be distributed in the next three months with a total expenditure of more than 44 thousand crore rupees under the 7th phase of the scheme, he said.
“Three lakh 45 thousand crore rupees have been spent on this scheme so far. This decision will bring joy on the face of people in the upcoming festive season,” added minister.
Notably, under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, five-kilogram foodgrain is being provided to eligible beneficiary per month free of cost. The scheme was started in March 2020 to provide the food security to poor people during the Covid-19 pandemic.