Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana
The Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) scheme was started by the Government of India in March 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to help poor and needy families by providing food security.
The main goal of this scheme is to provide food security for poor people. Under this scheme, the government provides each individual holding an Antyodaya or Priority ration card with five kilograms of rice or wheat and one kilogram of pulses. The scheme is implemented by the Department of Food and Public Distribution, but it is supervised by the Ministry of Finance.
Features of the PMGKAY Scheme
The scheme is a part of Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan. Here are some of the important features of the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) that explain how the scheme helps millions of poor people across India:
- Coverage of 80 Crore Beneficiaries: The scheme targets approximately 80 crore beneficiaries across India, including Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) and Priority Households (PHH) categories.
- No Extra Cost to Beneficiaries: The entire expenditure of the scheme, such as the cost of food grains, transportation, and distribution, is handled by the central government. Beneficiaries receive the food grains free of cost through the Public Distribution System (PDS).
- Allocation of Food Grains: Wheat has been allocated to six States and Union Territories: Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Chandigarh, Delhi, and Gujarat. The remaining States and Union territories will get rice under the scheme.
- Extension During Crisis Periods: The scheme was first launched in March 2020 to provide relief to poor people during COVID-19, but it has been extended multiple times to address the ongoing economic challenges. Now, the scheme is extended until December 2028.
Different Phases of the PMGKAY Scheme
The government provided free food grains every month to people who were already getting subsidized rations under the National Food Security Act (NFSA). The scheme has been implemented in seven phases which are mentioned below:
Phase | Time Period | Food Grains Distributed (in Lakh Metric Tonnes - LMT) |
1st Phase | Three months (April 2020 – June 2020) | 112.6 |
2nd Phase | Five months (July 2020 – November 2020) | 186.2 |
3rd Phase | Two months (May 2021 – June 2021) | 75.2 |
4th Phase | Five months (July 2021 – November 2021) | 186.7 |
5th Phase | Four months (December 2021 – March 2022) | 149 |
6th Phase | Six months (April 2022 – September 2022) | 217 |
7th Phase | Three months (October 2022 – December 2022) | 88.27 |
Total | 28 months | 1015 |
Note: A new phase began on 1 January 2024 and will continue for the next five years.
PMGKAY Eligibility Criteria
The scheme is designed for the poor people
Category | Details |
Antyodaya Anna Yojana Households (AAYH) | Recognizedby States/UTs based on Central Government guidelines |
Priority Households (PHH) | Recognized by State Governments/UTs by their own selection rules |
Individuals with no support | Single women or men with no family or social support |
Rural poor | Landless agricultural labourersSmall and subsistence farmers |
Households managed by | WidowsElderly persons (60+ years) with no steady income or family supportDisabled personsSeriously ill persons |
Rural artisans/craftsmen | PottersWeaversCarpentersBlacksmithsTannersOthersimilar categories |
Tribal groups | Scheduled Tribes (SC) households |
Urban/Rural poor and casual workers | Slum dwellersPorters, cooliesRickshaw/cart pullersFruit and flower sellersRag pickersCobblersSnake charmers |
HIV-affected families | Below Poverty Line (BPL) families with HIV-positive members |
Process to Apply for Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana
In order to avail benefits of the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana scheme, you need to follow the steps given below:
- Visit your nearest Fair Price Shop with your Ration Card to get the benefits.
- You need to provide your Ration Card number or Aadhaar number for verification.
- You will need to complete Aadhaar authentication at the Fair Price Shop using your fingerprint or eye scan (iris scan) for identity verification.
FAQs on Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY)
- What documents are required to apply for the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana scheme?
The main documents required to apply for the PMGKAY Scheme are a Ration card or an Aadhaar Card (if linked with ration card).
- What is the benefit of Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana?
It helps the poor to meet their basic needs by providing free food grains (up to five kilograms) for over 80 crore people. Wheat is given in the states of Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Chandigarh, Delhi, and Gujarat, while rice is provided to other States and UTs.
- Is PMGKAY only for rural areas?
No, the scheme is for both rural and urban poor who fulfil the eligible criteria under the National Food Security Act.
- Is the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana scheme still active?
Yes, the new phase was effective from 1 January 2024. The government continues to provide free food grains to eligible beneficiaries under PMGKAY for up to five years from the effective date.
- How can I avail benefits of the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana scheme?
You can apply for the scheme by visiting your nearby Fair Price Shop with your Ration Card and Aadhaar Card.
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