Jammu, Dec 01: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) J&K Executive Member Raman Suri lauded the Union Cabinet’s decision to allocate 5 kg of free foodgrains per month to approximately 80 crore impoverished citizens for an additional five years.
This monumental decision, costing the government Rs 11.8 lakh crore, aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commitment to fortify food security in terms of accessibility, affordability and availability, Suri said in a statement.
He emphasized the BJP government’s sensitivity to people’s concerns, highlighting PM Modi’s dedication to ensuring uniformity across states. Starting from January 01, 2024, under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY), the poor will receive free foodgrains for the next five years.
Expressing heartfelt gratitude, Suri acknowledged Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the “monumental” decision that extended free ration facilities to 80 crore beneficiary families nationwide. “In this historic announcement, PM Modi reassured the nation of his government’s unwavering commitment to prioritizing the welfare of the impoverished, fulfilling this promise through the PMGKAY,” he said.
The BJP leader underscored the significance of this extended initiative, particularly in regions like Jammu and Kashmir which faced the dual challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and terrorism. The provision of free ration serves as a beacon of hope and sustenance for affected communities, according to Suri.
Quoting PM Modi, Suri highlighted the compassionate vision behind the PMGKAY, stating, “During COVID-19, the biggest concern of the poor was what they would feed their children. Then, I decided that I would not let any poor sleep hungry.” Raman Suri commended Modi as a visionary statesman who genuinely cares for his people and the country.
Acknowledging the “tireless efforts” of the government, Raman recognized that this extended initiative will positively impact millions, ensuring that no one goes to bed hungry. The PMGKAY has remained a crucial lifeline, providing essential food grains under the public distribution system, especially during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic.
