Yogi Adityanath, the chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, said on Wednesday that the PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PM-GKAY) will be extended till Holi next year. The statement was made in Ayodhya during the 'Deepotsav' festivities.
Today is a holy day, thus we're extending the (PM-GKAY) free ration scheme till Holi to honour Ram Rajya's wish. We will not only distribute rice and wheat under this scheme, but also pulses, salt, and edible oil.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi envisioned the free ration scheme as a food security and welfare measure to give aid and help minimise the economic effect of Covid-19.
All recipients covered by the National Food Security Act receive an additional 5 kg of food grain under PM-GKAY.
Meanwhile, on the occasion of 'Deepotsav 2021,' 12 lakh diyas (earthen lamps) were lighted in Ayodhya as part of an Uttar Pradesh government scheme. The achievement was officially recognised by the Guinness Book of World Records.
There were 9,41,551 earthen lamps lighted on the bank of the Saryu river in Ayodhya, 50,000 diyas lit at the Ram temple site, and the remainder lit in different temples around the state.
Union tourism minister G Kishan Reddy praised the achievement, predicting that Ayodhya will be the world's largest spiritual tourism destination by 2030. He further said that the lighting of 12 lakh oil lamps sent a message to the world about Lord Ram's "modesty."
This year, the Yogi Adityanath administration is making Diwali a spectacular occasion, with Ramlilas, laser displays, 3D holographic performances, and fireworks.
"The celebration is approaching its limit. It is no longer restricted to India, but has spread over the globe "The chief minister stated.
The 'Deepotsav' celebrations in Ayodhya also set a Guinness World Record for 'the greatest display of oil lights' last year, when 5,84,572 earthen lamps were lighted on the banks of the Saryu River.
