The Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana (PMGKY) is a government scheme introduced to utilize undeclared wealth for public welfare and to assist vulnerable groups in times of need. Initially launched in 2016, the scheme aimed to encourage individuals with undisclosed income to deposit their money, which would be invested in the development of poor and disadvantaged communities. Later, the scheme gained wider recognition for its massive relief package introduced in 2020 during the coronavirus pandemic. This article provides an overview of the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana, its origins, objectives, and features, along with its role during the COVID-19 crisis.
What is Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana?
The PMGKY was first introduced in 2016 to allow individuals with undeclared assets to deposit money under a special scheme. This deposited money was intended to be used for the development of poor communities. The scheme gave individuals time until 31 March 2017 to make a one-time deposit.
Later, in March 2020, PMGKY evolved into a major relief package worth Rs 1.70 lakh crore to provide direct support to the poor during the COVID-19 pandemic. It included food security measures, cash transfers, health coverage for frontline workers, and wage support programs.
Objectives of Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana
The objectives of PMGKY can be divided into two phases: the original purpose of utilizing black money for development, and the pandemic relief measures.
Ensure Food Security: A large number of families depend on daily wages for survival. The scheme provides free food grains like wheat, rice, and pulses to ensure that no family goes hungry due to job losses or reduced income during the pandemic.
Provide Financial Assistance to Vulnerable Groups: Through direct cash transfers, the scheme helps poor women, senior citizens, widows, and differently-abled individuals. This money helps them meet essential needs and reduces financial stress.
Support Farmers: Farmers play a crucial role in maintaining food supply. Under PMGKY, financial benefits are front-loaded to farmers through the PM-Kisan Yojana to help them continue agricultural activities without disruptions.
Protect Low-Wage Workers: Many workers in small businesses and factories faced job loss during the lockdown. The scheme provides support by contributing to their provident fund accounts, ensuring some income security.
Health Protection for Frontline Workers: Health workers, including doctors, nurses, and paramedics, are given a special insurance cover. This is to ensure their families are financially secure in case of any unfortunate event while treating COVID-19 patients.
Features of Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana
The PMGKY is unique because it combines multiple welfare measures under a single package. Here are its main features:
Health Insurance for COVID-19 Warriors: Frontline health workers are covered under a special insurance scheme of up to Rs 50 lakh. This includes doctors, nurses, ASHA workers, technicians, and other medical staff working in government hospitals and health centers.
Free Food Distribution: The scheme ensures the distribution of free food grains for three months to nearly two-thirds of India’s population. Each individual receives 5 kg of wheat or rice, and each family gets 1 kg of pulses free of cost.
Direct Cash Transfers: Women holding Jan Dhan accounts receive Rs 500 per month for three months. Similarly, senior citizens, widows, and differently-abled individuals receive an ex-gratia payment of Rs 1,000 to manage daily expenses.
Free LPG Cylinders: Under PMGKY, free LPG cylinders are provided to poor families covered under the Ujjwala Yojana for three months. This ensures that households do not struggle for clean cooking fuel.
MNREGA Wage Hike: The daily wage under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA) was increased to Rs 202 per day, benefiting over 13 crore families and providing them with additional income support.
Components of Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana
PMGKY consists of various components aimed at holistic support:
Insurance Scheme for Health Workers: This covers all frontline workers who are treating COVID-19 patients. The Rs 50 lakh insurance benefit ensures financial protection for their families.
PM Garib Kalyan Ann Yojana: Under this scheme, 80 crore individuals receive double their usual ration quota for three months. In addition, 1 kg of pulses is distributed free of cost per household.
Support for Farmers: The first installment of Rs 2,000 under the PM-Kisan scheme is provided in advance to farmers to ensure that they have sufficient funds for sowing and crop management.
Help for Women and Vulnerable Groups: Women Jan Dhan account holders receive cash transfers to meet household needs, while senior citizens, widows, and differently-abled individuals receive a one-time ex-gratia support.
Provident Fund Support for Workers: For employees earning less than Rs 15,000 per month in small businesses, the government contributes 24% of their monthly wages into their Provident Fund (PF) accounts to prevent job loss.
Self-Help Group (SHG) Support: The collateral-free lending limit for Self-Help Groups is increased to Rs 20 lakh. This helps women-led SHGs support households and small businesses.
Building and Construction Workers Welfare Fund: States are directed to use the welfare fund for registered construction workers to provide relief during the crisis.
District Mineral Fund Utilization: States are advised to use the District Mineral Fund for strengthening healthcare infrastructure, including testing and treatment facilities.
Impact of Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana
The PMGKY has played a major role in reducing the immediate impact of COVID-19 on poor and vulnerable groups. By ensuring free food and financial support, it has prevented millions from falling deeper into poverty. The scheme has also protected jobs by supporting employers and workers in small businesses.
Moreover, the health insurance for frontline workers has given them confidence while performing their duties during the pandemic. Farmers have benefited from early financial assistance, allowing them to continue farming without delays.
The PMGKY has evolved from being a black money declaration scheme to one of the largest relief packages in India. With free food distribution, cash assistance, and health coverage, PMGKY played a crucial role in protecting poor families during the pandemic. Although its first phase had limited success, its later initiatives reflect the government’s commitment to ensuring that no vulnerable section of society is left behind.
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What is Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana?
The Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana is a government welfare scheme launched to provide food, cash, and healthcare support to the poor and vulnerable sections of society.
How many people benefit from PMGKY?
Around 80 crore people benefited from the free food grain distribution under the scheme, along with farmers, women account holders, and health workers.
What benefits are given under PMGKY?
PMGKY offers free food grains, cash transfers to women and senior citizens, free gas cylinders, insurance cover for health workers, and increased MNREGA wages.
Who is eligible for free food under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana?
Individuals and families covered under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) or holding ration cards are eligible for free food.
