India is one of the worst-hit countries by the second wave of covid-19 and the situation is getting worse with every passing day since March 2021. When 3,32,730 new cases were recorded on 22 April 2021 (the highest spike in one day), the cumulative count of coronavirus cases has so far exceeded the mark of 1.5 crores. The death toll is soon going to reach the mark of 2 lakhs. Along with the shortages of oxygen and beds in the country, there is a scarcity of even death beds for people to cremate.
Amidst this crisis, many people have shown up to help and support the nation in various ways possible. Tata steels and Reliance when working at the up-front to provide oxygen to the states worst hit by the pandemic, there are other small organizations set up which are providing food to the families hit by a coronavirus. Many Religious places have turned themselves into covid-care centers providing proper beds and nursing facilities.
While there are not just the patients infected with a virus, who are affected due to the second wave of the pandemic, there are many laborers, students, businesses suffering in their respective departments due to the virus.
Following the allegiance of helping poor people, The Government has announced to provide free food under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Ann Yojana on 23 April 2021 (Friday). Five Kgs of grains are dedicated to being provided to the needy for the two upcoming months i.e., May and June. A total of 26,000 crore budget is been assigned for the same. This initiative comes in after the spike of cases noticed in the country in the last few days. It is expected that this scheme will benefit about 80 crore beneficiaries.
Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Ann Yojana also described as PMGKAY was started in March 2020 when the country started suffering from the Global pandemic. It was part of the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package (PMGKP) which was a package planned for the poor to fight the pandemic in March 2020. Last year it was planned for 3 months i.e., From April to June.
According to the Union Ministry of Food and Public Distribution, a total of 116.02 lakh metric tonnes of food grains was distributed to the 80 crores Ration-card holders under the National Food Security Act for free. Its success was observed in the first month of the scheme itself when about 93% of food grains were distributed among more than 74 crore beneficiaries. It targeted more than 72 crore beneficiaries with the distribution of about 91% of food grains. In June 2021, about 56 crore beneficiaries were allocated with about 71% food grains. This was done with the addition of subsidized food grain already provided under the Public Distribution System (PDS).
It is a good initiative taken by the government to provide help to the ones in need. While there are schemes and many people are taking up initiatives to help us during this pandemic, It is also our responsibility to take care of ourselves and our family. We must stay at home and leave only if it’s too necessary. Following covid-19 guidelines can save us and those related to us. Take care!
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