In the run-up to the 2024 general election expected to be held between April and May, the Central government is ensuring that the brand of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is displayed conspicuously on foodgrain bags to be distributed under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY).
Under the PMGKAY, free foodgrains are to be provided to about 81.35 crore beneficiaries of Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) and Priority Households (PHH). The Central government has claimed that during the implementation of the PMGKAY in financial years 2020-21 and 2021-22, more than 75 crore beneficiaries have received foodgrains.
In a circular dated January 12, 2024, the Food Corporation of India (FCI) wrote to all its 26 regional offices asking them to float tenders for procuring woven laminated bags with an indicative logo of Mr. Modi, in order to distribute foodgrains under PMGKAY.
