BHAT ZAHOOR
Bandipora, April 20: The Department of Food Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs (FCS&CA) on Wednesday 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 Mahatsov celebrations.
Municipal commitee sumbal chairman Mr jahangir ahmad dar was the chief guest on the occasion, Assistant Director FCS&CA Bilal Ahmad , tso sumbal and hajin ,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 PMGKAY during the pandemic. He said the PMGKAY was kick started in April 2020 by Prime Minister Shri 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 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 begun from April 2022.
He 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, more than 2.42 lac beneficiaries are availing the benefits under the scheme every month.
Mc chairman jahangir ahmad dar while speaking on the occasion appreciated the efforts of the administration in reaching out the under privileged class during tough times. He said the PMGKAY Scheme averted the rise in extreme poverty in the country as more than 80 crore people benefited from the scheme.
He said during lockdown when there was no employment to most of the people, this scheme helped to prevent needy and poor beneficiaries from Starvation.
