Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) Context: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved a reform to provide better-quality rice with fewer broken grains under PMGKAY and other welfare schemes, benefiting over 80 crore people. About Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) is a free foodgrain distribution programme implemented under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013. Under this scheme, eligible beneficiaries receive rice or wheat free of cost through the Public Distribution System (PDS). Launch: Started in March 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic to provide food support to poor and vulnerable families. Ministry: Implemented by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution. Objectives To ensure food and nutrition security for economically weaker sections. To provide relief during emergencies such as pandemics and economic crises. To promote equity and inclusive access to food under the National Food Security Act (NFSA). Components of the Scheme Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) families: Receive 35 kg of foodgrains per family every month. Priority Household (PHH) beneficiaries: Receive 5 kg of rice or wheat per person every month. Foodgrains are distributed through around 5.4 lakh Fair Price Shops (FPSs) across the country. Key Features Covers about 81.35 crore beneficiaries, including 75% of the rural population and 50% of the urban population. Distributes nearly 56–58 million tonnes of foodgrains every year. Since January 2023, foodgrains are provided completely free of cost, replacing the earlier system of nominal charges under NFSA. e-KYC and Aadhaar linking of ration cards have been introduced to improve transparency, with around 83% of beneficiaries verified. The food subsidy allocation for FY 2025–26 is ₹2.03 lakh crore. A re-verification drive is being conducted to remove ineligible beneficiaries, such as income taxpayers, vehicle owners, and inactive ration card holders. …
