PM Garib Kalyan Ann Yojana has given confidence to people that the govt stands with them, Modi says in Gujarat

Vibha Sharma

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, August 3

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said the PM Garib Kalyan Ann Yojana had given confidence to people that the government stands with them.

Earlier also, there were schemes for the poor but because of the lack of an effective delivery system and some selfish elements/interests, they could not benefit many, he said, interacting with beneficiaries of PM Garib Kalyan Ann Yojana in poll-bound Gujarat.

All this changed in 2014 (when the BJP-led NDA came to power at the Centre),” the PM said.

The PM said the entire world and big experts are praising the scheme which was lunched as soon as the enormity of Covid pandemic became clear. Expanding on the merits and the contours of the free ration scheme, the PM said the country had not witnessed such a pandemic in 100 years.

The aim of the government is to increase the income of farmers, especially small and marginal ones, the PM said interacting with beneficiaries in Gujarat.

The PM also praised the Gujarat government for its efforts during the pandemic. He spoke of various development/infrastructure projects in the state, including the “new tourist attraction” Statue of Unity.

According to the government, nearly 948 lakh metric tonnes of food grain was allocated last year, which is 50 per cent more than a normal year to ensure food security during Covid.

About Rs 2.84 lakh crore food subsidy was incurred during 2020-21.

More than 3.3 crore eligible beneficiaries in Gujarat got 25.5 lakh metric tonnes of food grain, incurring a subsidy amount of more than Rs 5,000 crore.

To further strengthen food security for migrant beneficiaries, One Nation One Ration Card has been implemented so far in 33 States/UTs, it was said.

Speaking of the performance of Indian players in the Olympics, the PM said Indian players are challenging players ranked above them. This confidence comes when talent is recognised. This is also the indication of New India, he said.