Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana

Pradhana Mantri Garib Klyan Yojana is an initiative launched by India to help its poorest sections. PMGKY was launched as part of Taxation Laws (2nd Amendment) Act 2016, with the primary goal to empower economically vulnerable sections in times such as the COVID-19 Pandemic. Take a closer look at the PMGKY scheme.

PMGKY Objectives

• Give financial support and relief to vulnerable and poor sections of the society.
• Assuring food security to the poor.
• Affording employment to those affected by crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Provide adequate insurance and healthcare support to frontline employees.

PMGKY: Key components

• Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT): The financial aid is transferred directly to beneficiaries’ bank accounts, which includes senior citizens and widows as well as disabled people.
• Food Safety: Public Distribution System (PDS): Grain and pulses are distributed free to all beneficiaries who have ration cards.
• Healthcare Support: The insurance cover is worth INR 50 lakhs for professionals fighting COVID-19.
• Employer Generation MGNREGA budgets should be increased in order to guarantee livelihood security to daily wage workers and migrant laborers.

The Impact of Implementation

Direct Benefit Transfers

The government provided financial support to Jan Dhan account holders under PMGKY. In the first phases of COVID-19, for example, each woman Jan Dhan Account holder in India received INR 500 every month, over three months. This benefitted more than 20 crore women.

Food Security Measures

This initiative ensured that 5 kg wheat or rice and 1kg preferred pulses was distributed to each household every month, free of charge. During the lockdown, this initiative helped millions of families who were hungry. In the state of Uttar Pradesh, for example, nearly 3.5 million families received free food grains.

Healthcare Support

PMGKY also included measures for frontline workers to be protected. A 50-lakh INR insurance policy per worker was offered to ensure that the essential services of 22 lakh doctors, nurses, ASHA workers and other health care workers could continue without financial stress in the event of an adverse incident.

Workforce Generation

A significant PMGKY step was the increased funding allocated to MGNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi Rural Employment Guarantee Act). A total of INR 40.000 crore was spent on the scheme to increase employment in rural regions. Millions of migrant worker who were forced to return to their home countries during the epidemic received immediate assistance through this initiative.

Reception and Recognition

PMGKY has received wide acclaim for its prompt interventions and impact. The IMF and other international organisations praised India for its efforts to support the vulnerable Indian population in the face of the pandemic.

Questions and Answers about the PradhanMantri Garib Kallyan Yojana

What are the benefits of Pradhan mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana (PMGKY)?

PMGKY’s purpose is to offer financial assistance, food security and healthcare to economically disadvantaged sections of the society. This will be especially important during times of emergency, such as COVID-19.

Q2: What support does PMGKY provide to women in the event of a pandemic?

Women who hold Jan Dhan Accounts will receive INR 500 every month, for a period of three months. This benefit is available to over 20 million women in India.

Q3: Under PMGKY, what kind of food-security measures are available?

This included 5kg of rice/wheat per person per month and 1kg of pulses preferred per household. This helped alleviate the hunger of poor families in lockdown.

Q4: What are the benefits of PMGKY healthcare assistance?

PMGKY offers a 50-lakh INR insurance for health professionals on the frontline, including doctors, nurses and ASHAs. It is intended for 22 lakh healthcare professionals that are fighting against the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Q5: What are the employment opportunities created by PMGKY?

PMGKY is increasing funding to schemes such as MGNREGA in order to provide employment opportunities for the rural population and migrants affected by pandemic. MGNREGA has been allocated an additional INR 40,000 to create more jobs.

There are any criteria for being a PMGKY beneficiary?

PMGKY benefits include those who are economically weaker, such as BPL households, women having Jan Dhan Accounts, seniors, widows and disabled people, registered labour welfare boards workers, etc.

Q7. How does PMGKY guarantee the transparency of funds transfers?

Direct Benefit Transfers (DBTs) are used to transfer funds directly from PMGKY into the bank accounts of the recipients. This ensures maximum transparency, and reduces corruption and leakages.

Q8. Has PMGKY achieved its goals?

PMGKY is effective at achieving its goals, which can be seen by the relief it has provided for the most vulnerable and poor sections of the society. The scheme’s positive effects are far-reaching, ranging from direct financial assistance to healthcare and food distribution.

Q9 How is the PMGKY addressing workers’ needs?

In addition to increased funding for MGNREGA and the PradhanMantri Garib Kallyan Rojgar Adhiyaan (PMGKY), PMGKY addressed worker’s needs by creating rural roads, community centers and housing. These infrastructures create employment and help regional development.

Does PMGKY have an expiration date?

PMGKY was initially introduced to respond as an immediate emergency measure in the COVID-19 Crisis. However, its duration and benefits were extended according to changing circumstances and demands. India’s government will provide regular updates and make any announcements on the extension.

The Pradhanmantri Garib Kallyan Yojana is a cornerstone of India’s struggle against poverty. It ensures the most vulnerable Indians aren’t left behind in times of crises. The program reflects India’s commitment towards welfare and inclusive development for all social groups.