Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY)

Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana PMGKAY: Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PM‑GKAY) is India’s world‑largest free food grains scheme, PMGKAY scheme launch date is 26 March 2020. The aim was to provide additional 5 kg rice or wheat per person (over and above the regular NFSA rations) monthly under the Public Distribution System, plus 1 kg pulses per family, helping to secure food for more than 80 crore beneficiaries during the Covid‑19 pandemic. Effectively, it doubled the entitlement and ensured no one sleeps hungry during lockdowns. Candidates can PMGKAY Apply Online at the official portal.

PMGKAY Benefits

• Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) families receive 35 kg of food grains per household every month.

• Priority Household (PHH) families receive 5 kg of free food grains per person per month, in addition to their NFSA quota.

• 1 kg of free pulses is also given per family every month to boost protein intake.

Between April 2020 and December 2023 alone, the scheme distributed over 1,118 lakh metric tonnes of food grains, costing around ₹3.9 lakh crore to the government.

PMGKAY Phases and Extensions

Phase-Wise Roll‑Out

Why the Extension?

The scheme was extended for another five years (till Dec 2028) due to its critical role in reducing hunger and ensuring food security. Over this period, the scheme will cost nearly ₹11.8 lakh crore and benefit more than 81 crore people across India.

PMGKAY Scheme Eligibility

Only those who are already covered under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) can PMGKAY apply online:

• AAY households (the poorest of the poor)

• Priority Household (PHH) families, as identified by State/UT Governments.

States define PHH beneficiaries based on criteria such as:

• Widows or single women

• Persons with disabilities

• Senior citizens without means of support

• Tribal families in remote areas

• Daily wage laborers and informal sector workers

PMGKAY Registration Documents Required

There is no need to apply separately if you already have a valid ration card (AAY or PHH). Commonly required documents include:

• Ration card

• Aadhaar card for biometric verification

• Income certificate / BPL proof (as per state rules)

How to Avail PMGKAY Benefits

To collect your free grains:

1. Visit your nearest Fair Price Shop (FPS).

2. Authenticate identity using Aadhaar or ration card via e‑POS machine (biometric).

3. Receive your monthly quota of food grains and pulses.

The scheme also supports One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC), which means ration card holders can avail their benefits from any state across India — a major relief for migrant workers.

PMGKAY Scheme Impact

PMGKAY Scheme Positive Outcomes

• According to studies, PMGKAY played a key role in preventing a rise in extreme poverty during the pandemic.

• In fact, extreme poverty in India was contained at just 0.8% in 2020, thanks to the scheme’s timely rollout.

• It remains one of the largest free ration schemes in the world, covering more than 81 crore people.

PMGKAY Scheme Challenges and Leakages

• Despite success, reports highlight foodgrain leakages of nearly 28% (about 20 million tonnes) between 2022–23, valued at nearly ₹69,000 crore.

• Some states suffered high losses, though others like West Bengal and Bihar have significantly reduced leakages compared to earlier years.

Why PMGKAY Scheme Matters

PMGKAY goes beyond being a welfare initiative — it is India’s largest safety net against hunger and malnutrition.

• Provides food security for more than 81 crore Indians.

• Ensures nutritional support during crises like COVID‑19, inflation, and natural disasters.

• Strengthens poverty alleviation efforts, keeping millions above the poverty line.

• Extends social safety through ONORC portability, especially for migrants and informal workers.

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