Approx 122 Lakh MT Of Free Grains Distributed Since First Wave Of Covid-19 In UP

Lucknow, Nov 8 (TNA) Aimed at providing food security to the poor and deprived in the state by giving grain through the Public Distribution System, the Uttar Pradesh government has so far distributed approximately 122 Lakh MT of free food grains in the State since the first wave of COVID-19 pandemic (April 2020).

Uttar Pradesh has distributed around 9853889.085 MT of free food grains under PMGKAY. While approximately 2339556.740 MT of free ration was separately distributed by the government, which is ‘over and above’ the ration being distributed under PMGKAY. The total distribution amounts to around 122 lakh MT (12193445.8 MT) in the state.

In order to help the migrants, poor and under-privileged sections of the society to tide over the hardship of corona times, the government is providing free 5 kg food grains to over 15 crore beneficiaries of the State. Under the scheme, each beneficiary receives 3 kg wheat and 2 kg rice.

As per the directives issued by the Chief Minister and the central government, the distribution was carried out entirely through PoS devices with biometric Aadhaar and dealer authentication in an utmost transparent manner.

During 2020 out of the total allocation of 5802845.950 MT foodgrains under PMGKAY-2020 (April-November 2020), approx 5621377.178 MT foodgrains (i.e. around 96.87 %) were distributed in the state.

In 2021 (PMGKAY III), out of a total allocation of around 1471859.520 MT foodgrains ( May -June 2021) approx 1413984.816 MT (i.e. around 96.07 %) foodgrains have been distributed by Uttar Pradesh Government.

While during PMGKAY IV so far, against the allocation of 2943719.040 MT of grains around 2818527.091 MT have been given which is around 95.75 per cent. The distribution will continue till November.

Along with PMGKAY, the UP government of Yogi Adityanath is also distributing free ration, giving double relief to the people. The distribution by the state continued from April to June in 2020, while in 2021, the Yogi government carried out the distribution for the month of June, July, and August.

Notably, Uttar Pradesh has more than 1,30,07,969 units of beneficiaries under the Antyodaya Ann Yojna and over 13,41,77, 983 units under Priority Household cardholders. The state has over 80,000 fair-price shops.

Over 80% of beneficiaries receive free food grains in October

The distribution for the month of October under PMGKAY commenced on the 19th. Till 26th October, total 2,88,20,221 ration cards received 6,76,398.649 MT of ration. This comes around 80.04 percent of total ration cards and 82.38 percent of total allotment