Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Government of India
PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) — 5 Kg Free Ration Per Month for 81 Crore People
Objective
Provide free food grain to NFSA (National Food Security Act) ration card holders every month to ensure no family in India goes hungry, regardless of economic hardship.
Eligibility Criteria
- Must have a valid ration card under NFSA (National Food Security Act, 2013)
- Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) card holders: 35 kg per family per month (free)
- Priority Household (PHH) card holders: 5 kg per person per month (free)
- State government may also extend benefits to non-NFSA beneficiaries under state programmes
- No separate registration needed if you already have an NFSA ration card
Benefits & Features
- 15 kg rice or wheat per person per month — completely free (₹0 cost to beneficiary)
- 2AAY family card holders receive 35 kg per family per month
- 3Available at your local Fair Price Shop (ration shop) using your ration card
- 4Can be collected from any FPS in India using One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC) portability
- 5Scheme extended to December 31, 2028 — secure for the next 5 years
- 6Total government allocation: ₹11.8 lakh crore over 5 years
Required Documents
- NFSA ration card (Antyodaya or Priority Household)
- Aadhaar card (for biometric verification at Fair Price Shop)
- If ration card is not yet made: apply at your state's Food Department or online on the state PDS portal
How to Apply
Official Portal & Helpline
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PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana — Free Ration for 81 Crore Indians
India's largest food security programme. The Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) provides free food grain every month to over 81 crore people who hold ration cards under the National Food Security Act (NFSA). As of 2026, this scheme is active, extended to December 31, 2028, and the government is spending ₹11.8 lakh crore over five years to fund it.
If you or anyone in your family has an NFSA ration card, you are already a beneficiary. No separate application is needed.
What You Get
| Card Type | Monthly Allocation | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Priority Household (PHH) | 5 kg per person | Free (₹0) |
| Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) | 35 kg per family | Free (₹0) |
Food grain options: Rice, wheat, or coarse grains (millets) depending on what your state provides and what is available at your Fair Price Shop.
How to Collect Your Ration
- Visit your local Fair Price Shop (FPS/ration shop) — the same one where your ration card is registered
- Carry your Aadhaar card — biometric verification (fingerprint or iris scan) is done at the FPS machine
- Collect your monthly allocation
If your state has set a specific date range for distribution, go during those days. Many states allow collection on any working day within the month.
One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC)
This is especially useful for migrant workers. If you have moved to a different state for work, you can collect your ration from any Fair Price Shop in India using your Aadhaar card — you are not locked to your home state's FPS. This portability is called ONORC (One Nation One Ration Card) and works across all states and union territories.
Who Is Eligible
Everyone who holds an NFSA ration card — either Priority Household (PHH) or Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY). These cards are issued by state governments based on income and poverty criteria.
If you don't have a ration card, you need to apply for one through your state's Food Department.
How to Get a Ration Card (If You Don't Have One)
- Visit your local District Food and Civil Supplies Office
- Submit your application with family members' Aadhaar details, income proof, and address proof
- Many states also allow online ration card applications — check your state's Food Department website
Once your ration card is issued and registered under NFSA, you automatically become eligible for free grain under PMGKAY.
Current Status (2026)
The scheme has been running continuously since January 2023 after being merged into the NFSA framework. The government extended it for five more years in November 2023, covering the period from January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2028. Over 81 crore people are currently receiving free grain every month.
Quick Links
- Official Website: nfsa.gov.in
- PDS Helpline: 1967 / 14445 (toll-free)
- Check Ration Card Status: Visit your state's Food Department portal
This is one scheme you don't need to apply for separately — if you have an NFSA ration card, your free ration is waiting for you at your nearest ration shop every month.