The Union cabinet may take a call on extending the free dry ration distribution scheme, Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana PMGYAY beyond its stipulated deadline, September 30, 2022. The cabinet is scheduled to meet later today.
The Food and Drug Administration recently reviewed the food stock situation. The government has adequate food grain stock, according to sources. Key Finance Ministry officials said earlier that it is unlikely that a further extension would be considered. The decision will have to be looked at from political interests.
The government's estimated expenditure will be pushed by the end of the month by the PMGYAY scheme, which will cost the government an additional Rs 80,000 crore. If there is a further extension, the government will have to be prepared. The PMGYAY was started in March 2020 to provide free 5 kg of food per person per month to around 80 crore beneficiaries covered by the National Food Security Act NFSA to help alleviate their hardship during the lock down period. This was over and above the general allocation under the NFSA.