EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES
In a concerted effort to uplift the underprivileged and ensure inclusive development, the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra is currently traversing the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. With a primary focus on saturating government schemes, the Yatra aims to leave no genuine beneficiary behind, aligning with the broader vision of making India a developed nation by 2047.
One pivotal initiative contributing to this transformative journey is the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY). Launched on March 26, 2020, amid the challenging backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, PMGKAY stands as the world’s largest food security program, benefiting a staggering 81.35 crore people, or approximately 56.81% of India’s population. Administered by the Department of Food and Public Distribution under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution, the scheme is a testament to the government’s commitment to Sab ka Saath, Sab ka Vikas, Sab ka prayas.
The core objective of PMGKAY is to ensure food security for the poorest citizens of India. Operating through the Public Distribution System, the scheme provides 5 kg of rice or wheat (based on regional dietary preferences) and 1 kg of dal per person to eligible families, including ration card holders and those identified by the Antyodaya Anna Yojana scheme. With the recent extension of the scheme for the next five years, its impact is poised to deepen further.
In the context of Jammu and Kashmir, the results of PMGKAY are striking. Over the last two years, a remarkable 12.45 lakh metric tonnes of free foodgrains have been distributed to the people of the region under the scheme (April 2020 – October 2023). This significant allocation underscores the government’s unwavering commitment to eradicating hunger and fostering a more secure and prosperous future for the residents of J&K.
The Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra, spearheaded by dedicated officials, is ensuring that the fruits of development reach every corner of the region. By reaching villages and far-flung areas, they strive to leave no genuine beneficiary overlooked, embodying the ethos of inclusive progress. As the yatra progresses, it is evident that the PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana is not just a welfare scheme; it is a catalyst for positive change, bringing sustenance and hope to those who need it the most.
(Author is PhD in Public Administration and a Columnist)
