PMGKAY scheme a boon for poor people during COVID pandemic

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaApril 20, 2022

Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs Department (FCS&CA) today held the Jan Bhagidari Programme on Impact of Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY), as part of “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav Campaign”, at Yojana Bhavan Auditorium, Main Secretariat, Shillong.

James P K Sangma, Minister, Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs while addressing the gathering virtually said that it is a privilege to be part of this celebration and praised the department along with all the stakeholders; the fair price shops and wholesale dealers for ensuring that food grain is allocated and distributed to the beneficiaries on a timely manner in spite of challenges and threat of Covid-19.

He informed that the PMGKAY is a food security welfare scheme which aims to feed the marginalised society of the country by providing free food grains. The scheme was first introduced from April to June 2020, during the stringent lockdown period in India and has been extended 6 times, the latest extension being March 2022 to September 2022. The scheme has been a boon to the people during the Covid-19 pandemic, keeping the concern and sensitivity towards the poor and marginalised, it has mitigated the hardship faced and ensured food security to all. 

Others who were present include Dr Shakil P Ahammed, Principal Secretary, FCS&CA, P Bakshi Commissioner & Secretary, FCS&CA, Isawanda Laloo, Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills among others.