During a recent statement, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised the government’s free ration scheme, highlighting that beneficiaries often receive more food grains than they require and may sell the surplus in the market. Singh emphasized that this scheme, part of the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGK-AY), is not merely a favor but a commitment to serving the people.
Under PMGK-AY, introduced in March 2020 amid the Covid-19 pandemic as part of the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, eligible individuals receive five kilograms of free food grains in addition to subsidized rates under the National Food Security Act (NFSA). Singh also noted that India’s food inflation rate is among the lowest globally, citing figures from various countries to support his statement.
The scheme aims to provide essential support to vulnerable populations, including migrants and those in need, by ensuring access to food grains during challenging times.