Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) is the Government of India's scheme for providing free foodgrain to beneficiaries under the National Food Security Act, 2013 (NFSA). The government announced in late 2023 that free foodgrain would continue for five years from January 2024.
What beneficiaries receive
NFSA covers two groups of ration card holders:
- Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) households: 35 kg of foodgrain per household per month
- Priority Households (PHH): 5 kg of foodgrain per person per month
The grain, usually rice, wheat or coarse grains depending on the state, is given through Fair Price Shops in the Public Distribution System.
Who is covered
States and union territories identify eligible households under NFSA using their own criteria, within limits set by the Act. You need a valid NFSA ration card. If you think your family should be covered, contact your state food and civil supplies department.
One Nation One Ration Card
Under One Nation One Ration Card, an eligible beneficiary can generally collect their entitlement from Fair Price Shops in other parts of the country, using biometric authentication. This helps migrant workers and their families.
How it affects your grocery budget
For a covered household, this grain can reduce the amount of wheat or rice you need to buy from the open market. You can see wholesale market trends on our grain and pulse price page.
This page is a plain-language summary and is not an official government source. Entitlements and rules can change. Always confirm through your state food department or the official website.
Official source: nfsa.gov.in. Always confirm details there.