BANDIPORA: The Department of Food Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs (FCS&CA) Bandipora on Friday organised a day-long programme to celebrate the success of Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PM-GKAY) as part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations at Town Hall Hajin, here.
Chairman Block Development Council Nazir Ahmad Rather, Sarpanchs, Panchs, AAY and PHH beneficiaries also attended the function.
Speaking on the occasion, officers said the reason for celebration of this event was to highlight the positive impact of PMGKAY during the pandemic. They said the PMGKAY was kick started in March 2020 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi amid the Covid-19 pandemic in the country.
Officials said the reason for celebration of this event was to highlight the positive impact of PMGKAY during the pandemic and achievements of the department viz. 100% Aadhar Seeding and de- Duplication, Implementation of Supply Chain Management, 100% e-POS Distribution of Ration.
Speaking at the event, Chairman BDC, Nazir Ahmad Rather informed that the scheme is part of Atmanirbhar Bharat aimed to supply free food grains to migrants and poor population. He pointed out the phase wise extension of the scheme provided by the government in order to ensure the food grain provisions to the distressed sections. He said current is the sixth phase of extension which began from April 2022.
Rather said under this scheme, 05Kg food grains per person per month over the regular monthly NFSA food grains is being provided to AAY & PHH beneficiaries at National Level.
Giving details about the performance of Bandipora under the scheme, officers said more than 2.42 lac beneficiaries are availing the benefits under the scheme every month.
PRI members appreciated the efforts of the administration in reaching out to the under privileged class during tough times. They said the PMGKAY scheme averted the rise in extreme poverty in the country as more than 80 crore people benefited from the scheme.
They said during lockdown when there was no employment to most of the people, this scheme helped to prevent needy and poor beneficiaries from starvation.

KR Desk