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The Centre of considering extending the free foodgrain and pulse distribution scheme, under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY), for 3-4 months. This is in view of the spike in Covid cases, and also to provide relief to the millions of poor families who have suffered during the pandemic, said people in the know. For wheat, rice and pulses (notably chana), the Centre has adequate stock to provide for free until March 2021.

"Details have been sought from various agencies involved in the distribution of grains and pulses through the Public Distribution System in the first eight months of this fiscal year, and a final decision on the same is under consideration" said a senior official.

Under PMGKAY 1 and 2, which started from April and is due to end in November, the government has so far distributed an additional 5 kg of wheat and rice per month to 800 million beneficiaries of the National Pood Security Act (NFSA), over their usual entitlement of 5 kg of grains a month.

In addition, the government has distributed 1 kg of free pulses (largely chana) to every NFSA family in the last eight months, numbering 200 million. Overall, 32 million tonnes (mt) of wheat and rice have been made available for free, alongwith 1.4 mt of pulses, a bulk of which is chana, show government estimates.

Source: Business Standard, 26 Nov. 2020

Government gives free food grains and pulses to poor families under the scheme............

A) PMGKAY

B) NFSA

C) Both [a] and [b]

D) None of these