States’ record uneven in ensuring food during lockdown
Live MintOn 26 March, the Centre announced additional food supplies for two-thirds of the Indian population as part of its first lockdown package. The Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana would support families until at least June, by tapping into the network of ‘fair-price shops’ under the already-existing public distribution system. It entitles the 774 million beneficiaries of the National Food Security Act to an additional 5 kg of foodgrains and 1 kg of pulses per month in April, May and June. Government data for April and May shows the distribution of these additional foodgrains has been uneven across states, potentially risking food security at this time of crisis. The government said that while some states may distribute two to three months’ quota in one go, others are balancing PMGKAY distribution along with PDS stocks to manage the supply chain and respect physical-distancing norms.
History of this topic
Explained | How will the free foodgrain scheme work out?
The Hindu
Cabinet gives ex-post facto nod for free grains distribution for 2 months to poor under PMGKAY
India TV News)
Centre Says up to 75 Crore Beneficiaries Got Free Grains Under PMGKAY in April-June
News 18
Coronavirus lockdown: Meghalaya govt sanctions Rs 26.38cr to procure foodgrains
India TV NewsDiscover Related
)
