Central and State Government Free Food Schemes

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Central and state government free food schemes have transformed food security and helped millions avoid hunger. 

Central Government Schemes like Public Distribution System (PDS) and National Food Security Act (NFSA) ensure access to food grains at subsidized prices for low-income families. It has over 800 million beneficiaries, including Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) and Priority Households (PHH).

Under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) launched in  March 2020, as a COVID-19 relief measure, 5kg of free rice or wheat per person per month was provided in addition to existing entitlements. As of 2023, merged into the regular NFSA, making 5kg grain entitlement free for all NFSA beneficiaries.

Mid-Day Meal Scheme (PM Poshan) provides nutritious cooked meals to school children, improve enrollment and attendance. Children in government and government-aided schools (classes I–VIII) get daily hot meals meeting minimum nutrition standards. The scheme also provides nutritional support during summer vacations in drought-affected areas.

The Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) / Anganwadi Services  provide children under 6 years, pregnant and lactating mothers with free supplementary nutrition (meals or take-home rations) distributed via Anganwadis.

Many states supplement central schemes with local innovations.

The Arogya Lakshmi scheme in Telangana provides pregnant and lactating women with a nutritious meal at Anganwadi centers, including 200 ml of milk for 25 days a month. The milk is supplied by the State-owned Vijaya Dairy in tetra packs.

Image source - OpenFoodFacts.org

These schemes collectively reach hundreds of millions monthly, making India’s food safety net among the world’s largest.

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