New Delhi: The Government of India has commenced the free distribution of food grains under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY), a significant move to alleviate the financial burden on vulnerable households.
The decision to provide food grains free of cost to Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) households and Priority Households (PHH) beneficiaries was initiated from January 1, 2023, and is set to continue for a one-year period. This move is in alignment with the objective of ensuring nationwide uniformity and effective implementation of the National Food Security Act (2013).
To strengthen the provisions of the National Food Security Act (2013) in terms of accessibility, affordability, and availability of entitled food grains for the underprivileged, the Central Government fully bears the Food Subsidy. This subsidy covers the procurement, allocation, transportation, and delivery of food grains to designated depots in the States.
Under the two food subsidy schemes – Food Subsidy to FCI and Food Subsidy to Decentralized Procurement (DCP) States – the Central Government, with the aim of effective and uniform implementation of the National Food Security Act, has subsumed these schemes into the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY).
The distribution of free food grains is facilitated through the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS), and the additional cost incurred in making food grains freely available to NFSA beneficiaries is borne by the Government of India.
The National Food Security Act, 2013, aims to cover up to 75% of the rural population and up to 50% of the urban population, totaling 81.35 crore persons as per Census 2011. Presently, 80.48 crore beneficiaries have been identified by the States/UTs for the distribution of free food grains under the PMGKAY, ensuring that vulnerable sections of society receive essential support.