A total of 19.76 lakh metric tonnes foodgrains have been distributed to beneficiaries so far in States and UTs under Phase-V of Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PM-GKAY). Phase V will be implemented till March this year. Under the scheme the Department of food and public distribution had so far allocated a total of about 759 Lakh metric tonnes foodgrains to the States and UTs for distribution to around 80 Crore beneficiaries. Foodgrains have been provided free of cost, which is equivalent to about 2.6 lakh crore rupees.<br />'' <br />''<span style="color: #222222;">In the wake of surging COVID cases, the Department of Food and Public Distribution is continuously monitoring lifting and distribution of foodgrains. PM-GKAY scheme was announced only for a period of three months of April, May and June 2020 under Phase-I. Later, it was extended under different phases.</span><br />