The Cabinet led by Prime Minister has decided that the Central government will provide free food grains to about 81.35 crore beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) for a period of five years with effect from 1st January, 2024.
Giving details of the decision, Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur said that the extension of the scheme is a “historic decision” that would help to ensure food and nutrition security to nearly 81 crore people. The expenditure on scheme will be around Rs 11.8 lakh crore during the next five years.
PMGKAY was started in 2020 as a response to the pandemic, offering 5 kg of complimentary food grains per beneficiary per month, in addition to the 5 kg of subsidized food grain provided under the National Food Security Act (NFSA). By December 2022, the PMGKAY merged with NFSA, ensuring free rations for a period of one year.
Before general election in 2024, the government’s decision to extend the PMGKAY scheme is significant and strategically timed. In a statement government said, “This is a historic decision that reflects the dedication and commitment of the PM Narendra Modi, towards strengthening food and nutrition security in the Country.”
