Speed Post News Network
New Delhi : FCI has sent enough stocks to states across the country to implement PM Garib Kalyan Ann Yojana (PMGKAY) wherein 5 kg foodgrains per person per month for next three months has to be distributed free to all National Food Security Act (NFSA) beneficiaries. Many states like UP, Bihar, Telangana, Assam, Himachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Sikkim, Uttarakhand, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Haryana, Kerala, and Mizoram, have already started lifting foodgrains from FCI under this scheme. In course of next few days other states will also start lifting the foodgrains for distribution under PMGKAY.
FCI is working tirelessly and has ensured that enough foodgrains stocks are made available in every part of the country during countrywide lockdown. Since march 24, 2020, when the lockdown was announced to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, FCI has moved an average of 1.44 Lakh MT foodgrains per day as against the pre-lockdown daily average of about 0.8 Lakh MT. A total of 658 rakes carrying about 18.42 Lakh MT foodgrains was transported across the country till April 6, 2020. Another 63 rakes to carry approximately 1.76 Lakh MT foodgrains were being loaded on April 7, 2020.
In addition to meeting the regular requirements of foodgrains under NFSA and additional allocation under PMGKAY, FCI is providing wheat and rice directly to State Govts without going through the e-auction route, at Open Market sale rates to ensure continuous supply of foodgrains. Wheat is given for meeting the requirements of manufacturers of wheat flour and other wheat products based on the assessment of requirements done by the respective District Magistrates. So far FCI has allotted 1.38 LMT Wheat in 13 states and 1.32 LMT Rice in 8 states under this model, according to a PIB release.