The Prime Minister in August 2021 announced the fortification of rice distributed under various government schemes Including the Public Distribution System (PDS) and Mid- Day-Meal scheme by the year_____________.

Correct option is D

The correct answer is (d) 2024.
• In August 2021, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that rice distributed under government schemes, including the Public Distribution System (PDS) and the Mid-Day-Meal scheme, would be fortified by the year 2024.
• The fortification of rice involves adding essential nutrients such as iron, folic acid, and vitamin B-12 to combat malnutrition and nutrient deficiencies among the population.
• This initiative aims to address health issues related to deficiencies of micronutrients in India and ensure better health outcomes for vulnerable sections, especially children and women.
Information Booster:
• The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today has accorded its approval for supply of fortified rice throughout the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman-PM POSHAN [erstwhile Mid-Day Meal Scheme (MDM)] and Other Welfare Schemes (OWS) of Government of India in all States and Union Territories (UTs) by 2024 in a phased manner.
• The entire cost of rice fortification (around Rs. 2,700 crores per annum) would be borne by the Govt. of India as part of the food subsidy till its full implementation up to June, 2024.
• The following three phases are envisaged for full implementation of the initiative:
• Phase-I: Covering ICDS and PM POSHAN in India all over by March 2022 which is under implementation.
• Phase-II: Phase I above plus TPDS and OWS in all Aspirational and High Burden Districts on stunting (total 291 districts) by March 2023.
• Phase-Ill: Phase II above plus covering the remaining districts of the country by March 2024.