The scheme of free distribution of foodgrains to the beneficiaries under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY), has provided a big relief to the beneficiaries during ongoing COVID pandemic period.

Till 24th May, 2021, FCI has supplied 48 LMT free foodgrains to all 36 States/ UTs. 5 States/ UTs i.e. Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Lakshadweep, Puducherry and Telangana have lifted full allocation for May-June 2021. 26 States/ UTs i.e. Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Assam, Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh, Daman Diu D&NH, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Ladakh, Madhya Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Punjab, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Bengal have lifted 100% May, 2021 allocation.

To ensure smooth supply of foodgrains in the country, FCI has planned the logistics in advance. Against the lifting of allocated stocks, the same are replenished on regular basis thus maintaining adequate foodgrains in all the States/ UTs, all the time. During May 2021, FCI has already loaded 1062 rakes i.e. average 44 rakes per day. At present, 295 LMT wheat and 597 LMT rice (total 892 LMT) foodgrains are available under the Central Pool.

During the COVID pandemic period, since 25th March, 2020, FCI has issued total 1062 LMT foodgrains under various Government schemes.

As a pro poor initiative, under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY), Government of India is distributing free foodgrains for a period of two months (May-June 2021) @ 5kg per person per month to approx. 79.39 crore beneficiaries covered under NFSA. This allocation is in addition to regular NFSA allocation and 79.39 LMT foodgrains have to be issued under the said scheme.

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DJN/MS