Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal, Shafqat Iqbal today visited various ration stores in the district to monitor the free ration distribution for the month of April to poor and needy souls under Pradhan Mantri Gareeb Kalayan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) Pradhan Mantri Gareeb Kalayan Anna Yojana is a central government scheme launched during the lockdown period amid COVID19. Under the scheme 5 kg food grains are distributed, per soul belonging to PHH and AAY categories, for three months. This is in addition to the monthly quota of subsidized food grain of 5 kg per person being provided under the National Food Security Act (NFSA).The Deputy Commissioner was accompanied by ADC, Farooq Ahmad Baba, Assistant Director Food Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs and other officials.On the occasion, the Assistant Director, Food Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, informed the DC that there are 42828 families comprising 192389 souls of PHH and AAY to be covered under PMGKAY and 9619.8 quintals of rice will be distributed for the month of April. He also informed that 70% of ration under PMGKAY is already distributed among the beneficiaries.The DC said that the district administration has taken slew of measures to ensure that food grains reach every corner of the district during this period. He added that the process of the distribution of free ration for the month of April under PMGKAY shall be completed within this week.