An assessment of the Indian government’s response to COVID-19: PMGKY in review

• Dec 22, 2023
• 2 min

MSC conducted a pan-India study to gauge the effectiveness of GoI’s interventions for vulnerable segments, particularly under PMGKY. It included a survey of 5,531 beneficiary households in 18 states and union territories, telephonic interviews with middle-mile service providers, and documentation and analysis of the findings.

The Government of India (GoI) announced a relief package worth INR 1.70 lakh crores (USD 22.4 billion) as part of Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana (PMGKY) in response to COVID-19 and the countrywide lockdowns. In this context, MSC conducted a pan-India study to gauge the effectiveness of the GoI’s interventions for vulnerable segments, particularly under the PMGKY, and inform the government of the on-ground situation. The study measured the impact of government interventions, gauged effectiveness, assessed beneficiary capabilities, and informed policy decisions.

The study comprised three rounds. The first round covered 5,531 beneficiary households in 18 states and union territories in April and May 2020. It used a computer-aided telephonic interview (CATI) system to collect quantitative data and telephonic interviews with middle-mile service providers. MSC provided three services in the assignment:

1. Surveyed beneficiaries in 18 states and union territories to gather information about their benefits and feedback on the government program, including their issues, pain points, and expectations.
2. Surveyed middle-mile service providers to assess their efforts to implement the government program.
3. Documented and analyzed the findings and shared reports, which included recommendations, with the relevant ministries.

The major findings of the study were:

1. 83% of surveyed households reported loss of income during the lockdown, but swift government support through cash (PM KISAN, PMJDY, and NSAP), free rations (PDS), and fuel (PMUY) provided much-needed relief to poor households
2. 91% of households reported they received food support under the PDS during the lockdown.
3. Although the GoI transferred cash advances electronically to almost all PMUY beneficiaries, only 57% of the eligible households reported receiving the advance amount. 72% reported buying cylinders during the lockdown.
4. Banks (67%) were the preferred withdrawal channel for households despite being farthest from home.

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation commissioned the project.