Surat (Gujarat) [India]: Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Surat Food Security Saturation Campaign on Friday and distributed benefits under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) to nearly 2 lakh eligible beneficiaries. This initiative is part of the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY), aimed at ensuring comprehensive food security coverage for the underprivileged, according to an official press release.
The campaign underscores the government’s commitment to providing essential food grains to those in need. After leading a roadshow in Surat, PM Modi was honored by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Union Minister CR Patil.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Indian government, led by PM Modi, introduced the ‘Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana’ (PMGKAY) to supply free, high-quality food grains to impoverished families. In Gujarat alone, more than 76 lakh NFSA cards have been issued, benefiting approximately 3.72 crore people.
To expand support, the Gujarat government directed that beneficiaries of the Ganga Swaroopa Aarthik Sahay Yojana (under the Women and Child Development Department), the Vruddh Pension Sahay Yojana (under the Social Justice and Empowerment Department), and the Divyang Sahay Yojana be classified as ‘priority households’ under NFSA, irrespective of their income levels. This move ensures that these beneficiaries receive both subsidized and free food grains under PMGKAY.
The Surat District Food Security Saturation Campaign aligns with PM Modi’s scheme saturation approach and CM Bhupendra Patel’s commitment to Antyodaya Kalyan (upliftment of the underprivileged). The campaign focused on identifying eligible poor families, particularly widowed women (Ganga Swaroopa), elderly individuals, persons with disabilities (Divyangs), and marginalized daily wage earners.
A detailed survey was conducted to identify beneficiaries not yet covered under NFSA or PMGKAY. As a result, around 1,50,000 beneficiaries in Surat district were found to be availing of benefits under the Ganga Swaroopa Yojana, Vruddh Pension Sahay Yojana, and Divyang Sahay Yojana. The district administration, operating in mission mode, formed teams to verify and enroll these beneficiaries under NFSA.
Through this initiative, approximately 2 lakh beneficiaries were identified and brought under the NFSA coverage. Each NFSA cardholder is entitled to 5 kilograms of food grains (wheat and rice) per person per month. Additionally, the Gujarat government provides other essential food items at subsidized rates, including 1 kg of Toor dal at Rs 50, 1 kg of Chana at Rs 30, 1 kg of sugar at Rs 15 for AAY cardholders, and 350 grams of sugar at Rs 22 per kg for BPL cardholders, along with 1 kg of double-fortified salt at Rs 1 per kg.
Moreover, during Janmashtami and Diwali, all NFSA cardholders receive an extra 1 kg of sugar per card and 1 litre of double-filtered groundnut oil at a subsidized rate of Rs 100 per litre.
This comprehensive approach ensures that no eligible family is left without support, reaffirming the government’s dedication to food and nutritional security for all.