New Delhi: Since the time of Lockdown due to the Coronavirus pandemic, 80 crore ration cardholders of the country have been getting free under Pradhan Mantri Gareeb Kalyan Ann Yojna. Food Grains in Free will not be available from December 1, 2020.
The reason for this is that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced to give free food grains to the poor till November 30, 2020 under the Relief Package. The government had announced this last March as part of the Prime Minister’s Poor Welfare Package, the last date of which will end on November 30.
Is it necessary to provide free food to 80 crore ration card holders of the country or not? No announcement has been made by the government about this yet. Considering the news coming in the media, at the moment the government is not considering extending the scheme of providing free foodgrains under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana.
November 30 is the last date to pick grain for free
In fact, in view of the economic hardship of the poor during the lockdown implemented to curb the spread of the Coronavirus epidemic, the government had announced to provide free foodgrains to about 80 crore ration card holders of the country under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana. Under this scheme, there is a provision to give 5 kg of wheat or rice and 1 kg of gram dal to each member of a family. The 5 kg of wheat or rice and 1 kg of gram dal given for free is in addition to the existing quota of grains available on the ration card.
Will be able to take grain for free only till Monday
In the second phase of the lockdown, the government had extended the scheme to Diwali and Chhath Puja. Announcing this, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said that 80 crore ration cardholder families of the country will be provided free foodgrains till November 30 after Diwali and Chhath Puja. That is, the benefit of this scheme can be availed till next Monday.
The poor get grain for free only without a ration card
According to media reports quoting a source in the Food and Public Distribution Department under the Union Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Works, there are no plans to extend the scheme beyond November 30. Under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, the poor do not need a ration card to get food grains, but the needy get rations only from Aadhaar. However, it is another thing to register for this scheme through the AADHAAR card to pick up grain for free. Upon registration, they are given a slip, which is shown and free grain is taken.
