The Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana was launched in 2016 under the aegis of the Ministry of Finance. It aims to promote welfare and extend assistance to the economically weaker sections during emergencies. It enhances the general well-being of the population and seeks to reduce vulnerabilities. The scheme’s goal is to alleviate the suffering of the people through benefits provided by the government and welfare measures. Some of them include free distribution of food grains, insurance, and direct cash transfers. It is specially meant to be a reliable source of aid during unforeseen crises and emergencies.
Objectives of PMGKY
The scheme’s major objectives are twofold:
- Curb black money, and
- Enhance income equality
A special measure under the scheme to achieve the first objective was providing a one-off chance for people who evade taxes to disclose their income without the risk of facing prosecution or even penalties. However, it is important to know that 50% of the untaxed amount must be paid.
Also, the PMGKY scheme was granted an extension in 2020 owing to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The poorer sections of the population were among the worst to be hit, and the objective behind the extension was in line with the core spirit of the scheme, which is to provide relief and security to the people under unforeseen circumstances.
Eligibility for PMGKY
Under the scheme, the following are eligible to enrol and reap benefits:
- Families below the poverty line (BPL)
- Families covered under Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY). These are identified by the state and union territory governments based on the criteria set by the central government.
- Families that fall in the category of Priority Households (PHH)
Also read: NPS national pension scheme
Benefits under PM Garib Kalyan Yojana
- The PMGKY scheme covers over 80 crore people across the country—almost two-thirds of the country’s total population. This includes people with disabilities, pensioners, and women. Having benefits for such a wide range of the population also makes PMGKY one of the biggest welfare schemes in the world.
- Under the scheme, 5 kg of free wheat/rice is distributed to the families who are eligible and covered.
- The scheme also includes a monthly distribution of 1 kg of whole chana (free) to each family.
- In addition to the food rations, the government provides free gas cylinders to BPL families for 3 months.
- Frontline workers in the healthcare domain are recognised under the scheme. They are insured up to Rs. 50 lakh. The frontline workers under the scheme include paramedics, ASHA workers, nurses, ward boys, doctors, technicians, and specialist workers. Almost 22 lakh healthcare workers are covered under the scheme.
- As of 2020, the scheme has invested a sum of Rs. 50,000 crore to provide employment opportunities to the poorer sections of the society.
- PMGKY provides an opportunity for tax evaders to declare their undisclosed wealth without the worry of prosecution and penalties if they can pay 49.9% tax on the amount.
- It is estimated that over 8 crore farmers benefit under the scheme through direct cash benefit transfers.
- Under the plan, the income of Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA) workers increased by Rs. 2,000.
Since its inception, the PM Garib Kalyan Yojana has been renewed several times. Recently, the scheme was renewed again with a 5-year extension. Now, the PMGKY will stay intact until 2028.
Features of the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana
- Free food grains for eligible families: Under the PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana component, eligible beneficiaries receive 5 kg of rice or wheat free every month in addition to their regular ration benefits under the National Food Security Act (NFSA). This initiative helps economically weaker families manage essential food expenses and ensures better food security during difficult financial situations.
- Direct cash support to vulnerable groups: The scheme provides direct financial assistance to women Jan Dhan account holders, senior citizens, widows, and differently abled individuals. During the COVID-19 period, eligible women received monthly cash transfers, while pensioners and vulnerable citizens were given ex-gratia financial support to help manage daily household expenses and essential needs.
- Financial assistance for farmers: Farmers benefit through advance instalments under the PM-KISAN scheme, enabling them to access funds for agricultural activities and household expenses. The initiative supports crores of farmers across India and helps reduce financial pressure during emergencies, ensuring continuity in farming and better rural economic stability.
- Insurance cover for healthcare workers: The scheme includes a special insurance cover for frontline healthcare workers such as doctors, nurses, ASHA workers, and sanitation staff. A substantial insurance benefit was introduced to provide financial protection to families of healthcare workers serving during challenging public health situations and emergencies.
- Support through LPG and EPF benefits: Free LPG cylinders were provided to eligible families under the Ujjwala Yojana to ensure uninterrupted cooking fuel access. Additionally, the government contributed towards Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) payments for eligible low-wage workers and small businesses, helping employers retain jobs and support workers during financial disruptions.
How to register for PMGKY
To register for the scheme, you have to open a savings account under the Jan Dhan Yojana at any eligible bank. You will be required to furnish some essential documents, including documentation outlining your income, to open the account and verify your profile. Once these are submitted, they will go through a screening process to be verified. Once you pass the screening process, you will be eligible to enrol and benefit from the program.
Also Read: Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana
Conclusion
The Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana (PMGKY) is a testament to India's commitment to social welfare and financial inclusion. Launched under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, it provides crucial support to economically weaker sections. By offering free food grains, insurance coverage, and other benefits, PMGKY touches the lives of crores of people, including those below the poverty line and frontline healthcare workers. With its dual objectives of curbing black money and promoting income equality, PMGKY stands as one of the world's largest welfare schemes, impacting over 80 crore individuals in the country.
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