About Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY):
- It was launched by the Indian government in April 2020 as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- It is designed to provide financial assistance to economically weaker sections affected by the pandemic.
- The scheme encompasses the distribution of 5 kg of free food grains each month, along with cash transfers to women and elderly individuals.
- It was introduced as part of the broader Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package, aiming to offer relief to those adversely affected by the pandemic, especially the poor and marginalised.
- As per the scheme, the government offers 5 kg of free food grains each month in addition to the subsidised ration given to families covered by the Public Distribution System under the National Food Security Act.
- Eligibility Criteria: The benefits of PMGKAY are accessible to families meeting specific eligibility criteria.
- Families belonging to the Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) and Priority Households (PHH) categories will be eligible for the scheme. PHH is to be identified by State Governments/Union Territory Administrations as per criteria evolved by them. AAY families are to be identified by States/UTs as per the criteria prescribed by the Central Government:
- Households headed by widows, or terminally ill persons, or disabled persons, or persons aged 60 years or more with no assured means of subsistence or societal support.
- Widows, or terminally ill persons, or disabled persons, or persons aged 60 years or more or single women or single men with no family or societal support or assured means of subsistence.
- Additionally, all primitive tribal households, landless agricultural labourers, marginal farmers, rural artisans/craftsmen such as potters, tanners, slum dwellers, and persons earning their livelihood on a daily basis in the informal sector like porters, coolies, rickshaw pullers, hand cart pullers, and other similar categories in both rural and urban areas are also eligible for the scheme.
- All the citizens are eligible who belong to Below Poverty Line families.
