In a momentous decision, the Government has officially extended the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) scheme, a crucial initiative offering 5 kilogrammes of complimentary food grains per month to a staggering 81.35 crore impoverished individuals. This extension is set to endure for an additional five years, thereby entailing a substantial financial commitment from the exchequer, estimated at approximately Rs 11.80 lakh crore. Under the ambit of the National Food Security Act (NFSA), the coverage extends to 75 per cent of the rural populace and 50 per cent of the urban demographic, categorised into Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) and priority households. AAY households, representing the most economically disadvantaged, are entitled to 35 kg of food grains monthly, while priority households receive 5 kg per person per month. The objective is to alleviate financial burdens among the affected strata of society sustainably, ensuring a protracted pricing strategy with zero cost to the beneficiaries.
The Government exhibits an unwavering commitment to the welfare of the indigent populace, particularly in the post-COVID-19 era, where the challenges confronting the impoverished are formidable. A discerning Government, cognizant of the predicament, has adeptly steered the nation through the aftermath of the pandemic, distinguishing itself from neighbouring nations such as Pakistan and Sri Lanka, which either succumbed to collapse or continue to grapple with the protracted recovery process. In stark contrast, the current administration has not only ensured the resilience of the nation but has also orchestrated an economic trajectory that positions it as the fastest-growing global economy. Concurrently, a scrupulous focus on the downtrodden is evident through an array of meticulously crafted schemes. The provision of complimentary food grains to a staggering 81.35 crore individuals over five years necessitates a staggering financial commitment of Rs 11.80 lakh crores, a formidable task that the Government must adeptly manage.
The monumental feat of implementing the largest food safety programme globally underscores the Government’s laudable achievements. Dispensing 35 kg or 5 kg of ration is merely one facet of its multifaceted approach to the welfare of the impoverished. Beyond food security, the administration has diligently undertaken initiatives to provide direct monetary benefits through diverse social programs. The assurance of a minimum number of working days under MGNREGA fortifies job security for the impoverished, complemented by the formulation of rural schemes that dovetail seamlessly with MGNREGA endeavours.
Healthcare for the underprivileged is meticulously addressed through the widespread distribution of Ayushman Bharat cards to those below the poverty line. The Government’s benevolence extends further with initiatives such as self-employment loans and the establishment of zero-balance bank accounts. Even the educational landscape is not overlooked, as children are fortified with mid-day meals in schools, accompanied by scholarships encompassing books, uniforms, and other essentials for deserving students. These financial outlays, amounting to lakhs of crores, encapsulate an extensive effort to ameliorate the lives of the destitute through multifarious means. This comprehensive panorama of endeavours, viewed through a broader lens, stands as an extraordinary testament to the Government’s conscientious approach. Critics may proffer dissenting views, yet for the colossal cohort of 81.35 crore individuals, this monumental undertaking is tantamount to a life-saving paradigm.
Repeatedly, the Government has demonstrated an unequivocal commitment to championing the cause of the underprivileged, substantiating the prevailing regime’s proclivity for the destitute. Scheme after scheme, meticulously devised and executed, underscores a resolute dedication to uplifting the impoverished. A testament to this unwavering commitment is the formidable initiative to extend financial support for the construction of dwellings catering to the homeless-a colossal undertaking requiring extraordinary efforts. The Government, rightfully, merits accolades of the highest order for orchestrating such monumental initiatives on an unparalleled scale. The intricacies of planning at this gargantuan magnitude are inherently arduous, and to effectively deliver on these grandiose endeavours is an accomplishment that transcends the ordinary realm.
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