Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution
Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY)
5 kg of rice or wheat per person per month completely FREE for all NFSA ration card holders; AAY families get 35 kg per family per month; scheme extended till December 2029; benefit flows through existing ration card — no new registration
Monthly — 5 kg free food grain per person at FPS
Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) is a food security scheme launched in March 2020 during COVID-19 by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution to provide free food grains to all NFSA (National Food Security Act) beneficiaries. In January 2024, it was merged with the main NFSA scheme and extended till December 2029 — all 80+ crore NFSA beneficiaries now receive 5 kg food grain completely free every month. AAY families receive 35 kg/family/month free. No additional application needed — existing ration card holders automatically receive benefits via the Public Distribution System.
Am I Eligible?
Quick check — answer 3 questions
Is your age between 0 and 100 years?
Is your annual family income under ₹1 Cr?
Do you live in India?
Benefit Details
5 kg of rice or wheat per person per month completely FREE for all NFSA ration card holders; AAY families get 35 kg per family per month; scheme extended till December 2029; benefit flows through existing ration card — no new registration
Provided by Central Government
Monthly — 5 kg free food grain per person at FPS
Eligibility Criteria
All beneficiaries with a valid NFSA ration card (Priority Household — PHH or AAY category) across India; over 80 crore people covered; eKYC with Aadhaar is mandatory — without it, benefits may be withheld; new ration cards applied through state PDS offices
0 to 100 years
Up to ₹1 Cr / year
Rural & Urban (Both)
Required Documents
💡 Tip: Keep original documents and 2 photocopies ready. Self-attest all photocopies.
How to Apply
Check NFSA Beneficiary Status
onlineGo to nfsa.gov.in → "Citizen Corner" → "Know Your Entitlement" → select your state → enter ration card number → view your PMGKAY entitlement. Alternatively, download the Mera Ration App and log in with your ration card number to track monthly transactions.
Complete Aadhaar eKYC
offlineIf not yet done, visit your nearest Fair Price Shop or food department office to complete Aadhaar eKYC. Link each family member's Aadhaar to the ration card. Without eKYC, your food grain entitlement may be withheld even if you have a valid ration card.
Collect Food Grains at FPS
offlineVisit your designated Fair Price Shop any time during the month (usually during the first 3 weeks) → present your ration card → complete biometric Aadhaar verification (fingerprint or iris scan) → collect 5 kg food grain per family member for free.
Apply for New Ration Card (if not covered)
online / offlineIf you do not have an NFSA ration card, apply at your state's food department or on the state PDS portal. Submit income proof, Aadhaar, family details, and address proof. The state government verifies and issues a new card within 30–60 days.
Raise Complaints for Non-Distribution
online / offlineIf FPS dealer refuses to give your entitlement or asks for money (bribery), call the food security helpline 14445 or use the Mera Ration App to report the issue. You can also visit the District Food Officer with your receipt for redressal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick Summary
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Anna Bhagya Scheme (Karnataka)
10 kg of free rice per person per month for all NFSA (BPL / AAY) ration card holders in Karnataka — distributed at Fair Price Shops using Aadhaar biometric authentication
Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY)
35 kg of wheat/rice per family per month — at ₹2/kg for wheat and ₹3/kg for rice under AAY; free of cost under PMGKAY (Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana) till December 2029
DigiLocker
Free secure cloud storage for 1,500+ official documents linked to Aadhaar; documents have legal validity equal to physical originals; no need to carry physical documents for verification; share documents instantly with government agencies, banks, and educational institutions
⚠️ Disclaimer: Information is compiled from official government sources for guidance purposes. Eligibility and benefits may vary. Always verify with the official portal or nearest government office before applying.
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