The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday approved the continuation of the free universal supply of fortified rice under all schemes of the government, including the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) and other welfare schemes from July 2024 and up to December 2028.
According to the Cabinet, the rice fortification initiative will continue as a Central sector initiative with 100 per cent funding by the government as part of PMGKAY (food subsidy), thus providing a unified institutional mechanism for implementation.
To address anaemia and micronutrient malnutrition in the vulnerable population, food fortification has been used globally as a safe and effective measure.
In India, rice is an ideal vehicle for supplying micronutrients as 65 per cent of the population consumes it as a staple food. Rice fortification involves the addition of Fortified Rice Kernels (FRK) enriched with micronutrients (iron, folic acid, Vitamin B12) as per standards prescribed by the FSSAI to regular rice (custom milled rice).
In April 2022, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) decided to implement the rice fortification initiative throughout the country in a phased manner by March 2024.
The Cabinet informed that all three phases have been successfully completed and the target of universal coverage to supply fortified rice in all schemes of the government was achieved by March. The move is in line with PM Modi’s address on the 75th Independence Day on the necessity of nutritional security in the country. The initiatives like "Supply of fortified rice throughout the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS), Other Welfare Schemes, Integrated Child Development Service (ICDS), PM POSHAN (Erstwhile MDM) in all States and Union Territories (UTs)" to address anaemia and micronutrients deficiency in the country have been taken up.
As per a recent National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), anaemia remains a widespread issue in India, affecting children, women and men across various age groups and income levels.
Manipur Police arrest 11 militants, recover large cache of arms, ammunition
The Manipur Police arrested 11 militants belonging to various banned outfits and recovered a large cache of arms and ammunition during the past 24 hours, officials said here on Friday.
PM Modi unveils 21-point action plan at 6th BIMSTEC Summit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday presented a comprehensive 21-point action plan during the sixth BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok, laying out an ambitious road map for cooperation across diverse sectors.
ED raids multiple premises of 'Empuraan' producer Gokulam Gopalan
Amid the controversy surrounding Malayalam film ‘Empuraan’ starring superstar Mohanlal, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday conducted raids at multiple premises linked to film’s producer Gokulam Gopalan.
SC declines PIL seeking restriction of social media platforms for kids below 13 years
The Supreme Court on Friday refused to entertain a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking urgent judicial intervention to regulate access to social media platforms for children below 13 years of age.
BIMSTEC Summit: PM Modi, Yunus meet amid strained ties
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday held a bilateral meeting with Muhammad Yunus, Chief Advisor of Bangladeshi interim government, on the sidelines of the 6th BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok.
Rupee strengthens against dollar amid Trump's reciprocal tariffs
The Indian rupee witnessed sharp gains on Friday at below 85 against dollar, as the dollar index and oil prices dropped sharply amid concerns over recession in the US economy after the reciprocal tariffs were announced.
Quad to send $20 million relief support to earthquake-ravaged Myanmar
Quad members Australia, India, Japan, and the United States on Friday collectively committed over $20 million in humanitarian assistance to support the relief efforts for the earthquake-devastated Myanmar.
'Waqf Bill will benefit Muslims, no threat to religious sites,' says Shahabuddin Razvi
Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi, the National President of All India Muslim Jamaat, expressed his support for the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, stating that it would significantly benefit Muslims and ensure the betterment of their socio-economic conditions.