The significance of Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana should be seen as a safety net during critical emergency situations. Explain (200 Words)
Refer - Business Line
Enrich the answer from other sources, if the question demands.
IAS Parliament 3 years
KEY POINTS
· The extension of the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana (PMGKY) by another six months this year, is a well thought out move under the circumstances, as the need for a safety net cannot be brushed aside.
· The PMGKY entitles 80 crore beneficiaries under the National Food Security Act to an additional five kilograms of foodgrain, apart from an equal entitlement under the NFSA, 2013.
· However, the spurt in commodity inflation in the wake of the Ukraine war can hurt growth (now pegged at 7.8 per cent for FY23 by the Reserve Bank of India), and with it incomes and purchasing power.
· With a distribution of about eight million tonnes per month under PMGKY and NFHS (80 crore beneficiaries getting 10 kg of grain per capita per month), the stocks could come down closer to the stipulated levels.
· Hence, a crop procurement system that acts as a price stabiliser, supplemented by a robust agri-marketing infrastructure as envisaged by the repealed farm laws, is the way forward.
· India’s food management should be nuanced and nimble, combining private and government efforts. For now, India should take a considered view on its wheat and rice export targets for FY23 in view of the prevailing uncertainties.
Manish 3 years
Please Review !
IAS Parliament 3 years
Good attempt. Keep Writing.
