Prime Minister Narendra Modi has recently announced the extension of the free foodgrain scheme under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) for an additional five years. This initiative aims to provide food security to approximately 80 crore individuals in India.
India aims to become a $5-trillion economy by 2025, yet there remains a significant reliance on subsidized and free food schemes. This extension of PMGKAY underscores the ongoing need for governmental support in ensuring food availability for vulnerable populations.
The Department of Food and Public Distribution has earmarked Rs.2,05,514 crore for the fiscal year 2024. Notably, food subsidy constitutes the largest portion of this expenditure, emphasizing the importance of food security in the national budget.
Continuing PMGKAY for another five years is expected to result in an additional expenditure of around Rs.40,000 crore within the current fiscal year. This financial commitment reflects the government’s dedication to combating hunger and malnutrition.
Despite the government’s efforts, a staggering 74% of the Indian population cannot afford a nutritious diet. Data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) reveals alarming rates of stunting (36%), wasting (19%), and underweight (32%) among children under five years of age.
Analysis of dietary habits indicates that women typically consume pulses, beans, and vegetables; however, their intake of fruits and meats is significantly lower. In contrast, men are generally less likely to adhere to vegetarian diets compared to women, highlighting gender disparities in nutrition.
Nutritional deficiencies disproportionately affect individuals with lower educational attainment, rural dwellers, lower-income households, and specific social groups. This suggests that socioeconomic factors play a crucial role in dietary patterns and health outcomes.
The extension of PMGKAY illustrates a significant commitment to enhancing food security in India. However, persistent challenges in ensuring access to nutritious diets and addressing malnutrition, particularly among vulnerable populations, remain critical issues that must be tackled to improve overall health outcomes in the country.
Q1. What is the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY)?
Answer: PMGKAY is a government initiative launched to provide free food grains to economically disadvantaged individuals in India, ensuring food security, especially during crises.
Q2. How many people are expected to benefit from the PMGKAY extension?
Answer: The extension of PMGKAY aims to benefit around 80 crore individuals, enhancing food security for a significant portion of the population.
Q3. What are the main nutritional challenges faced by the Indian population?
Answer: Major challenges include high rates of stunting, wasting, and underweight children, with 74% of the population unable to afford a nutritious diet.
Q4. How much additional expenditure is anticipated for PMGKAY's extension?
Answer: The extension of PMGKAY for five more years is expected to incur an additional expenditure of approximately Rs.40,000 crore in the current fiscal year.
Q5. What factors contribute to nutritional deficiencies in India?
Answer: Factors include low educational attainment, rural residency, lower income, and specific social group memberships, all contributing to dietary challenges.
Question 1: What is the primary objective of PMGKAY?
A) Provide free education
B) Ensure food security for the economically disadvantaged
C) Promote agricultural exports
D) Support small businesses
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: How long has PMGKAY been extended?
A) Three years
B) Five years
C) One year
D) Ten years
Correct Answer: B
Question 3: Which demographic faces higher nutritional deficiencies in India?
A) Urban professionals
B) Higher education graduates
C) Rural residents and lower-income households
D) Government officials
Correct Answer: C
Question 4: What percentage of children under five are stunted in India according to NFHS-5?
A) 20%
B) 36%
C) 50%
D) 15%
Correct Answer: B
Question 5: What is the allocated budget for food subsidies in FY24?
A) Rs.1,00,000 crore
B) Rs.2,05,514 crore
C) Rs.50,000 crore
D) Rs.3,00,000 crore
Correct Answer: B
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