The Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) provides free foodgrains to poor families covered under the National Food Security Act, 2013 (NFSA). Here is how the scheme works.
Background
PMGKAY was first launched in April 2020 during the Covid pandemic to give extra free grain to NFSA beneficiaries. From January 2023, the government merged it with the regular NFSA entitlement and made the full entitlement free. In November 2023, the Union Cabinet approved continuing free foodgrains under PMGKAY for five years from 1 January 2024.
Who is covered
The scheme covers about 81 crore people who hold ration cards under NFSA. There are two categories:
- **Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY):** the poorest households, who get 35 kg of foodgrains per family per month
- **Priority Households (PHH):** who get 5 kg of foodgrains per person per month
The grain is usually rice, wheat or coarse grains, depending on the state. States identify eligible households using their own criteria within the NFSA coverage limits.
Cost to beneficiaries
Under PMGKAY, these foodgrains are free. Before 2023, beneficiaries paid subsidised rates of Rs 3, Rs 2 and Rs 1 per kg for rice, wheat and coarse grains.
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How to get your ration
- Go to your fair price shop (ration shop) with your ration card.
- Verify your identity through Aadhaar based biometric authentication on the ePoS machine.
- Take your entitled grain and check the receipt.
Under One Nation One Ration Card, NFSA beneficiaries can take their ration from any fair price shop in the country.
How to check your entitlement
You can check your ration card details and entitlement on your state food department portal, on the Mera Ration app, or on the national portal of the Department of Food and Public Distribution.
How to apply for a ration card
Ration cards are issued by state governments. Apply on your state food department portal or at the local office with proof of identity, address and income as required by the state.
Complaints
If you do not get your full ration, contact the state food helpline or the National Food Security helpline listed on the department website. The NFSA also provides for district grievance officers.
Bottom line
PMGKAY ensures free monthly foodgrains for crores of poor families. Keep your ration card and Aadhaar linked and check your entitlement regularly.
Source / स्रोत: Department of Food and Public Distribution, Press Information Bureau
