New Delhi: In a historic decision, the Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, announced on January 1, 2024, that the Central government would provide free food grains to approximately 81.35 crore beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) for the next five years.
This monumental decision, allocating an estimated Rs. 11.80 lakh crore over the five-year period, places PMGKAY among the world’s largest social welfare schemes, aimed at ensuring food and nutrition security for a massive population.
The decision reflects the strong commitment of Hon. Prime Minister Narendra Modi towards efficient and targeted welfare, fulfilling the basic food and nutrition requirements of the population. Ensuring food security at this scale during Amrit Kaal would play a pivotal role in dedicating efforts towards building an aspirational and developed India.
The provision of free food grains, including rice, wheat, and coarse grains/millets, under PMGKAY for five years from January 1, 2024, will strengthen food security and mitigate any financial hardship faced by the poor and vulnerable sections of the population. This initiative will provide nationwide uniformity in the delivery of food grains free of cost across all States/UTs through a network of over 5 lakh Fair Price Shops under a common logo.
The decision will also enable ease of living by allowing beneficiaries to lift free food grains from any fair price shop in the country under the ONORC-One Nation One Ration Card initiative. This initiative is of enormous benefit for migrants, facilitating both intra and inter-State portability of entitlements as part of technology-based reforms under Digital India.
The approximate food subsidy for five years for the distribution of food grains under PMGKAY will be around Rs. 11.80 lakh crore. The Centre’s expenditure during the next five years as food subsidy under PMGKAY is set to ensure free food grains to the targeted population.
This provision of free food grains under PMGKAY for five years reflects the long-term commitment and vision of Hon. Prime Minister Narendra Modi for addressing national food and nutrition security. The Scheme will contribute to fulfilling the Government of India’s commitment to 81.35 crore persons covered under PMGKAY.
The decision to continue providing food grains free of cost under PMGKAY for the next five years reflects the dedication and commitment of Hon. Prime Minister Narendra Modi towards strengthening food and nutrition security in the country.