Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana

The scheme "Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY)" has been launched by the Department of Food and Public Distribution, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Government of India, and aims to ensure food security for the poor and vulnerable sections of the country by providing free food foodgrains. It was announced on 26 March 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic and is operated by the Department of Food and Public Distribution under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution. Through this scheme, free foodgrains (rice or wheat, depending on the State) are provided to eligible ration card holders covered under the National Food Security Act, 2013, namely Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) households and Priority Households (PHH). From 1 January 2023, the scheme was integrated into the food security framework, and foodgrains earlier given at the highly subsidised rates of ₹1, ₹2, and ₹3 per kilogram for coarse cereals, wheat, and rice, respectively, are now provided free of cost. The scheme has been extended by the Union Cabinet for 5 years starting from 1 January 2024 and is approved for continuation till 31 December 2028, with a total financial outlay of ₹11.80 lakh crore (₹11,80,000 crore). The scheme is implemented through the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) by the state governments and Union Territory Administrations, with foodgrain allocation by the Government of India.