Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana- Food security is an important issue for the Government of India. Many schemes are implemented to provide adequate food items to the poor and deprived sections of the country. One of the major schemes among these is – Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, which was launched to help the needy people during the COVID-19 pandemic. Under this scheme, free ration is being provided to millions of poor families.
Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana 2025
The Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) has been extended for the next five years, beginning January 1, 2024. Under this scheme, approximately 81.35 crore beneficiaries, including Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) households and Priority Household (PHH) beneficiaries, will receive free food grains. AAY households will get 35 kg of food grains per month, while PHH beneficiaries will get 5 kg per person. The government will spend around Rs. 11.80 lakh crore over the next five years to provide food security and ease the financial.
Highlights Of Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana 2025
| Name of the Scheme | Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana |
| Scheme Launched | March 2020 |
| Mode of Application | Online and offline |
| Objective of the Scheme | To provide food security to the poor and vulnerable sections of the country. |
| Category | Sarkari Yojana |
| Official Website | https://dfpd.gov.in/ |
What is Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana?
The Government of India established the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana in March 2020 with the aim of mitigating the economic crisis arising during the COVID-19 pandemic. The primary goal of this scheme was to provide food security to poor families facing a reduction in income due to lockdown and pandemic. Initially, the scheme was to remain in force till May 2020, but it has been extended several times.
Beneficiaries of Prime Minister Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana
Under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, free food grains are provided to poor families through the Public Distribution System (PDS). The following families are included in this scheme:
- Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) families: These are the poorest families to whom a fixed quantity of food grains is distributed by the government every month.
- Priority Households: These are such poor families who are ration card holders, but do not fall in the AAY category.
Benefits available under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana
The benefits available under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana depend on the category of the ration cardholder family. Clear information is given in the table:
- Category of ration cardholder family Free food grains per person per month
- Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) family 35 kg
- Purity-based families (PHH) 5 kg per person according to the number of family members
Eligibility for Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana
People from different categories are eligible to get benefits under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana. It includes all families who are below the poverty line, beneficiaries of Antyodaya Anna Yojana, and priority families. Additionally, widows, seriously ill persons, persons with disabilities, persons aged 60 years or above, single male or female, and all tribal families are also considered eligible for this scheme.
Landless agricultural labourers, marginal farmers, rural artisans or craftsmen, and informal sector workers can also avail the benefits of this scheme. Along with this, all HIV positive persons who belong to families below the poverty line can also avail benefits under this scheme.
How to apply for Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana?
The process of availing benefits under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana is simple and easy. Follow the following steps to avail the benefits of this scheme:
- Registration: First of all, you have to register by visiting the official website of the Food and Civil Supplies Department of the state.
- Filling the form: After registration, you have to fill the online application form, which includes your personal and family details.
- Document upload: The required documents like ration card, identity card etc. have to be uploaded.
- Submission: After filling all the information and uploading the documents, submit the form.
How to apply offline for Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana?
- Ration card office: Visit your nearest ration card office and get the application form.
- Filling the form: Fill the application form carefully and attach the required documents.
- Submission: Submit the filled application form to the office.
Conclusion
The extension of the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) ensures continued food security for over 81 crore beneficiaries. By providing free food grains for the next five years, the scheme strengthens the National Food Security Act and alleviates the financial burden on the poorest sections of society. The government’s commitment to spending Rs. 11.80 lakh crore reflects its dedication to improving accessibility, affordability, and availability of food grains.
Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana FAQ’S
What is Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana?
The scheme provides free food grains to poor families to ensure food security, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Who is eligible for the scheme?
The scheme is for families below the poverty line, Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) families, and Priority Household (PHH) beneficiaries.
What benefits does the scheme offer?
AAY families receive 35 kg of food grains per month, while PHH families get 5 kg per person each month.
When was the scheme launched?
The scheme was launched in March 2020 to address food insecurity during the pandemic.