What has our government done to provide food security to the poor? Discuss any two schemes launched by the government?

The government has launched various schemes for the welfare of the people and to provide food security to the poor. Two such schemes are Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) and Annapurna Scheme (APS).

Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) – Launched in the year 2000, under this scheme, one crore of the poorest among the below-poverty-line families covered under the targeted public distribution system were identified, and 25 kg of food grains were provided to each eligible family at a highly subsidised rate of Rs. 2 per kg wheat and Rs. 3 per kg of rice. The scheme was further expanded in the year 2003, and close to 50 lakh families below the poverty line were provided with food grains.

Annapurna Scheme (APS) – Launched in the year 2000, the scheme aims to provide food to the senior citizens who have remained uncovered under the National Old Age Pension Scheme. The eligibility for an applicant is that they should be 65 years or above in age.