Antyodaya Anna Yojana Scheme:
The Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) scheme is a government initiative in India aimed at providing highly subsidized food grains to the poorest of the poor. It was launched to ensure food security for the most vulnerable sections of society.
Launch Date:
The Antyodaya Anna Yojana scheme was launched in December 2000.
Key Features:
The scheme has the following key features:
1. Target Beneficiaries: The scheme targets the poorest families in rural and urban areas, identified as being below the poverty line.
2. Highly Subsidized Food Grains: Under the scheme, eligible households are provided with highly subsidized food grains, including wheat and rice.
3. Identification of Beneficiaries: The beneficiaries are identified through a transparent and objective process, ensuring that the benefits reach the intended recipients.
4. Allocation of Food Grains: The food grains are allocated to the states by the central government based on their population and the number of eligible households.
5. Fair Price Shops: The subsidized food grains are distributed through fair price shops, which are selected and monitored by the state government.
6. Cost Sharing: The central government bears 90% of the cost of food grains, while the state government contributes the remaining 10%.
7. Public Distribution System: The scheme operates through the existing public distribution system (PDS) infrastructure, ensuring efficient and transparent delivery of food grains to the beneficiaries.
Impact:
The Antyodaya Anna Yojana scheme has had a significant impact on reducing hunger and improving the nutritional status of the poorest sections of society. It has helped in ensuring food security and alleviating poverty among vulnerable households.
In conclusion, the Antyodaya Anna Yojana scheme was launched in December 2000 to provide highly subsidized food grains to the poorest of the poor. It has been instrumental in improving the food security and well-being of the targeted beneficiaries.