The government has approved the continuation of free fortified rice supply under welfare schemes until December 2028, with a budget of Rs 17,082 crore. This decision, made during a Union Cabinet meeting chaired by PM Modi, aims to combat anaemia and micro-nutrient deficiencies. The initiative, including the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, will be fully funded by the Centre starting July 2024.