Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik writes to PM Modi, requests extension of PMGKAY for one more 8 months

By Express News Service

BHUBANESWAR: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Sunday requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to contemplate extension of further allocation of rice for the subsequent eight months beneath the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) for distribution among the many beneficiaries beneath the National Food Security Act (NFSA) until the pandemic state of affairs improved.

“Since adequate foodgrains are available at present with the government, I would request you to kindly consider extension of additional allocation of rice at least for the next eight months under PMGKAY for distribution among the beneficiaries under NFSA till pandemic situation improves and complete normalcy is restored in the State,” the Chief Minister mentioned in a letter to the Prime Minister.

Conveying his honest due to the Prime Minister for offering rice freed from value for seven months beneath the PMGKAY for distribution to NFSA beneficiaries within the state from May 2021 to November 2021 throughout pandemic, the Chief Minister mentioned provision of foodgrains freed from value to folks at this crucial juncture ensured that not a single needy and weak individual was disadvantaged of foodgrains.

“Odisha has prioritised distribution of seven months’ quota of PMGKAY-III foodgrains to the NFSA beneficiaries and completed it by November 5, 2021. Similar facility was also extended to all the beneficiaries of the state covered under its own Food Security Scheme,” he added.

The Chief Minister mentioned that the impact of Covid-19 has not subsided fully regardless of a fast-paced vaccination drive undertaken throughout the state as circumstances of recent an infection proceed to floor. Besides, different financial actions are but to achieve the pre-pandemic stage because of which individuals nonetheless wrestle to steer a standard life with sustainable technique of livelihood, he added.

Stating that beneath the prevailing conditions, it’s felt extremely mandatory that the federal government should present aid to the weak throughout these crucial hours, the Chief Minister mentioned a severe reason for concern on this ongoing pandemic state of affairs is the problem of meals safety to the needy and weak.