NOB- Bharat news: The central government gave good news to the poor and gave them a Dussehra gift. The Union Cabinet headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the extension of free rice supply scheme (free fortified rice with vitamins) till December 2028. The initiative aims to combat anemia and micronutrient malnutrition in India by providing rich sources of iron, folic acid and vitamin B12. The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 09.10.2024 approved the continuation of universal free fortified rice distribution from July 2024 till December 2028 under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY), all government schemes including other welfare schemes.
What is Fortified Rice? Is this what is given in the ration?
Regular rice is made into flour and vitamins and minerals are added in the required amount. Again these are converted into rice. These seeds are called fortified rice (fortified kernels). Fortified rice is currently not available in all parts of the country. It is continuing as a pilot project in some areas. In April 2022, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) decided to implement the rice fortification program across the country in a phased manner by March 2024. The government is taking steps to provide fully fortified rice. The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday approved the continuation of universal free fortified rice under all government schemes including the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY), among others welfare Schemes. These schemes will continue from July 2024 to December 2028. According to the decisions taken by the cabinet, the government will continue this program for another four years, i.e. till 2028, which is 100 percent funded by the government as part of PMGKY (Food Subsidy).
It is globally acclaimed as a safe and effective method of food fortification to address anemia and micronutrient malnutrition among the country’s poor population. Rice is an ideal source of micronutrients in India, as 65 percent of the population consumes it as a staple food. Fortified Rice Kernels (FRK) enriched with micronutrients (Iron, Folic Acid, Vitamin B12) as per FSSAI prescribed standards for normal rice (custom milled rice) are included in rice fortification. In April 2022, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) decided to implement the rice fortification program across the country in a phased manner by March 2024. The ministry said that three phases have been successfully completed and universal coverage is targeted to supply fortified rice in all government schemes by March 2024. The decision was taken in line with Prime Minister Modi’s speech on the occasion of the 75th Independence Day on the need for nutritional security in the country. Programs like “Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS), other welfare schemes, Integrated Child Development Service (ICDS), strengthened supply of rice across PM POSHAN (formerly MDM)” are ongoing to address anemia. According to the recent National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), anemia remains a widespread problem in India. Affects children, women, men of different age groups and income levels. According to an official statement, the scheme will ensure a unified system of rice fortification across the country. About 80 crore citizens will benefit from the government’s decision.
