Bandipora, April 9: The Department of Food Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs (FCS&CA) on Saturday 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.
Vice-Chairperson District Development Council Bandipora, Kounser Shafeeq was the chief guest on the occasion while DDC member Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din Rather, Assistant Director FCS&CA Bilal Ahmad, Sarpanchs and Panchs also attended the function.
Speaking on the occasion AD FCS&CA said the reason for celebration of this event was to highlight the positive impact of PMGKY during the pandemic. He said the PMGKY was kick started in March 2020 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi amid the Covid-19 pandemic in the country.
He said the scheme is part of Atmanirbhar Bharat, aimed to supply free food grains to migrants and poor populations. 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.
The AD FCS&CA said under this scheme, 05Kg food grains/person/month over and above 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, Bilal Ahmad said that more than 2.42 lac beneficiaries are availing the benefits under the scheme every month.
Speaking on the occasion, Kounser Shafeeq appreciated the efforts of the administration in reaching out to the under-privileged class during tough times. She said the PMGKY scheme averted the rise in extreme poverty in the country as more than 80 crore people benefited from the scheme.
She said during lockdown when there was no employment to most of the people, this scheme helped to prevent needy and poor beneficiaries from Starvation.
