The correct answer is: a) Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY).
Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) is a government program that provides subsidized food grains to priority households in India. The program was launched in 2000 with the goal of providing food security to the poorest households in the country. AAY beneficiaries are entitled to receive 35 kilograms of wheat or rice per month at a highly subsidized rate of Rs. 2 per kilogram.
The program is implemented by the Ministry of Food and Public Distribution through the Food Corporation of India (FCI). The FCI procures food grains from farmers at the minimum support price (MSP) and distributes them to AAY beneficiaries through a network of ration shops.
AAY is one of the largest food security programs in the world. As of 2019, the program covers over 75 million households in India. The program has been credited with helping to reduce poverty and hunger in the country.
The other options are incorrect because:
- Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) is a government program that provides free food grains to poor households in India. The program was launched in 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. PMGKAY beneficiaries are entitled to receive 5 kilograms of wheat or rice per person per month at no cost.
- Midday Meal Scheme (MDMS) is a government program that provides free cooked meals to school children in India. The program was launched in 1995 with the goal of improving school attendance and nutrition among children. MDMS beneficiaries are entitled to receive a cooked meal at school every day.
- Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) is a government program that provides early childhood care and education to children under the age of six in India. The program was launched in 1975 with the goal of reducing poverty and improving the health and nutrition of children. ICDS beneficiaries are entitled to receive a variety of services, including health check-ups, nutrition supplements, and preschool education.