No proposal to extend free ration scheme beyond November 30: Food Secretary

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The centre does not have any proposal to extend distribution of free ration through the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana (PMGKAY) beyond November 30 in view of recovery in the economy and good disposal of foodgrains in the open market under the OMSS policy, Food Secretary Sudhanshu Pandey said. The PMGKAY was announced in March 2020 to ameliorate distress caused by Covid-19. Initially the scheme launched for the April to June 2020 period which was further extended till November 30, 2020.

Government provides free ration to 80 crore ration holders

Under the PMGKAY, the government supplies free ration to 80 crore ration holders identified under the National Food Security Act (NFSA). Through ration shops, free ration is provided over and above the subsidised grains distributed to them.

In addition, the government has been giving rice and wheat to bulk consumers under the OMSS policy to improve availability in the domestic market and check prices.