The decision to extend the PMGKAY scheme was taken at a Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur made the announcement after the meeting, stating that the extension of the scheme will cost the exchequer around Rs 11.8 lakh crore.
The PMGKAY scheme was initially launched in March 2020 as a pandemic relief measure. It was later extended on several occasions, and the latest extension will ensure that the scheme continues to provide much-needed food assistance to the poor even as the country recovers from the pandemic.
The extension of the PMGKAY scheme is likely to be welcomed by millions of poor households across the country. It will also help to alleviate the economic hardship faced by many families due to rising prices of essential commodities.
The government has stated that the PMGKAY scheme is a major step towards ensuring food security for the most vulnerable sections of society. It will also help to promote social equity and justice.