Cabinet Clears Extension of Fortified Rice Scheme until December 2028 to Combat Anaemia

In a significant move addressing public health concerns, the Union cabinet has approved the extension of the fortified rice scheme under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) and other welfare initiatives. This extension will run from July 2024 to December 2028, with a projected cost of ₹17,082 crore.

Key Highlights

• Timeline: Extension from July 2024 to December 2028
• Financial Outlay: ₹17,082 crore
• Scheme Coverage: Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) and other welfare schemes
• Primary Objective: Combat anaemia and micronutrient deficiencies

Government’s Commitment

Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Ashwini Vaishnaw, emphasized, “The initiative will remain a central sector scheme, fully funded by the government of India under PMGKAY’s food subsidy programme.”

Alignment with Anaemia Mukt Bharat

This extension aligns seamlessly with the government’s Anaemia Mukt Bharat plan, which aims to mitigate anaemia and micronutrient deficiencies nationwide.

Distribution Channels

Fortified rice supply will be channelized through:

1. Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS)
2. Integrated Child Development Service (ICDS)
3. PM POSHAN Scheme (formerly mid-day meal)

Implementation in Phases

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) sanctioned the implementation of the rice fortification scheme across India in phases beginning in April 2022. As of March 2024, all three phases are complete, ensuring fortified rice is available through all designated schemes.

Public Health Impact

According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) conducted between 2019 and 2021:

• Anaemia remains prevalent among children, women, and men in multiple demographics.
• Deficiencies in Vitamin B12 and folic acid continue to threaten public health.

Benefits of Food Fortification

Global evidence supports food fortification as an effective means to combat anaemia and micronutrient deficiencies. In India, rice serves as an ideal medium for fortification due to its consumption by 65% of the population.

Fortification Process

1. Blending: Regular custom-milled rice is blended with enriched rice kernels.
2. Nutrient Enrichment: Kernels are fortified with iron, folic acid, and Vitamin B12.
3. Standards Compliance: Follows guidelines set by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).

Roads in Border Areas

The cabinet has also sanctioned an investment of ₹4,406 crore to develop 2,280 kilometres of roads in the border regions of Rajasthan and Punjab, and the National Maritime Heritage Complex at Lothal, Gujarat. This initiative is expected to generate approximately 22,000 jobs, including 15,000 direct and 7,000 indirect jobs.

Focus on Border Development

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw remarked, “Previous governments didn’t focus on developing border areas. Today all our border areas are being developed so that the citizens [in those areas] get the facilities that citizens in other parts of the country have access to.”

National Maritime Heritage Complex

Development Phases

• Phase 1A: Over 60% completed, expected to conclude by 2025.
• Subsequent Phases: Overseen by a dedicated society run by a governing council headed by the minister of ports, shipping & waterways.

Construction Components

• Phase 1B and Phase 2: Involves building a lighthouse museum, funded by the Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships (DGLL). These phases will proceed under the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) model, while land subleasing and Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models will be used for further development.

Certainly. Continuing from where we left off, let’s delve deeper into the benefits and strategic importance of the initiatives being undertaken by the Union cabinet.

Strategic Importance of Fortified Rice Scheme Extension

The fortified rice scheme’s extension signifies a strategic step toward addressing public health challenges in a highly targeted and effective manner. Anaemia and micronutrient deficiencies pose significant obstacles to the socioeconomic development of the country. Therefore, this initiative is particularly vital for fostering a healthier, more productive population that can contribute dynamically to the national economy.

Global Insights on Food Fortification

Globally, food fortification has been endorsed by various international health organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). These entities have recognized food fortification as a cost-effective strategy to improve public health, especially in countries facing widespread micronutrient deficiencies.

Empowering Health Through Nutrition

Rice fortification not only augments the nutritional value of rice but also ensures a seamless integration of essential micronutrients into the daily diets of millions. By empowering citizens with better health through nutrition, the government is laying a robust foundation for future generations.

Implementation and Monitoring Mechanisms

The success of such an expansive scheme necessitates comprehensive implementation and stringent monitoring mechanisms:

• Quality Assurance: Ensuring fortified rice meets the standards set by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
• Supply Chain Management: Robust logistics to distribute fortified rice efficiently across various states and union territories.
• Public Awareness Campaigns: Educating beneficiaries about the benefits of fortified rice.

Roads and Infrastructure in Border Areas

Simultaneously, the development of roads and infrastructure in border areas is equally pivotal. This strategic investment bolsters national security while enhancing socio-economic connectivity in these regions.

Benefits of Border Infrastructure Development

1. Enhanced Security: Strengthens national borders.
2. Economic Opportunities: Fosters local economies by improving access to markets.
3. Job Creation: Expected to create 22,000 jobs, including 15,000 direct jobs and 7,000 indirect jobs.
4. Connectivity: Improves transportation and communication networks, benefiting both local residents and the broader national economy.

Development of the National Maritime Heritage Complex

The National Maritime Heritage Complex at Lothal serves as a testament to India’s rich maritime history and its enduring commitment to preserving cultural heritage. This project will not only generate employment but also become a beacon of cultural tourism.

Phased Development Approach

• Phase 1A: Currently 60% complete, demonstrating significant progress.
• Phase 1B and Phase 2: To be executed under the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) model, ensuring efficiency and accountability.
• Lighthouse Museum: An intricate part of the complex, funded by DGLL, poised to be a major attraction.

Employment and Economic Growth

The development projects in border areas and the heritage complex collectively symbolize the government’s far-sighted vision for inclusive growth. By focusing on both immediate needs (fortified rice) and long-term developmental strategies (infrastructure), the government is creating a multi-faceted approach to national development.

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