We welcome the decision of the Central government to extend the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana for 5 months. Under this scheme, all persons having a ‘priority’ or AAY ration card under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) will receive additional 5 kgs of grain per person and each household with a ration card will get 1 kg channa for free. This is much needed measure and will help the 80-crore people who are listed under NFSA, in coping with the economic distress caused due to the lockdown on account of COVID-19. However, we are anguished to note that no policies have been announced for those without ration cards or those who are additionally included by state governments through state schemes.
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