28-Sep-2022: Centre extends Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Ann Yojana (PMGKAY) for another three months (October 2022-December 2022)

In pursuance of the pro-people announcement made by Hon’ble Prime Minister in 2021and successful implementation of additional food security under PMGKAY, the Union Cabinet has approved the extension for the  Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY-Phase VII) for a further  period of 3 months i.e. October to December 2022.

At a time when the world is battling with the effects of Covid on its decline and insecurity due to various reasons, India has been successfully maintaining food security for its vulnerable sections while taking necessary steps to keep availability and affordability for common man. 

Recognising that people have gone through a difficult period of pandemic, Govt has decided to extend PMGKAY for a period of three months  so that  poor and vulnerable sections of society  are supported for the forthcoming major festivals like Navratri, Dussehra, Milad-un-nabi, Deepawali, Chhath pooja, Guru Nanak dev Jayanti, Christmas, etc. which they can celebrate  with great gaiety and community for festivities.  With a view to ensuring this, Govt. has approved this extension of PMGKAY for three months, so that they continue to enjoy the benefits of easy availability of foodgrains without any financial distress.

Under this welfare scheme, 5 kg of food grain per person per month is provided free of cost for all the beneficiaries covered under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) [Antyodaya Anna Yojana & Priority Households] including those covered under Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).

Financial implication for the Government of India has been about  Rs. 3.45 Lakh Crore  upto Phase-VI of PMGKAY. With the additional expenditure of about Rs. 44,762 Crore for Phase-VII of this scheme, the overall expenditure of PMGKAY will be about Rs. 3.91 lakh crore for all the phases.

The total outgo in terms of food grains for PMGKAY Phase VII is likely to be about 122 LMT. The aggregate allocation of food grain for phases I- VII is about 1121 LMT.

So far, PMGKAY has been in operation for 25 months as under

• Phase I and II ( 8 months) : April’20 to Nov.’20
• Phase-III to V (11 months) : May’21 to March’22
• Phase-VI    ( 6 months)  : April’22 to Sept.’22

PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PM-GKAY), started during difficult time of COVID-19 crisis, has provided food security to the poor, needy and the vulnerable households/beneficiaries so that they do not suffer on account of non-availability of adequate foodgrains. Effectively it has doubled the quantity of monthly foodgrains entitlements being normally delivered to beneficiaries.

Going by the experience of earlier phases, the performance of PMGKAY-VII is expected to be on the same high level as achieved before.

5-Aug-2022: 824 Lakh Metric Ton (LMT) foodgrains  distributed under PMGKAY

The Union Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Ms. Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today informed that on 31st July 2022, total 824 Lakh Metric Ton (LMT) of free foodgrains has been distributed under PMGKAY, with a total subsidy outlay of around Rs. 2.79 Lakh Crore.

In the wake of COVID-19 outbreak in the country in March 2020, Department of Food and Public Distribution (DFPD) had started the distribution of ‘additional’ and ‘free-of-cost’ foodgrains (Rice/Wheat) to around 80 Crore National Food Security Act (NFSA) beneficiaries in the country under the “Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PM-GKAY)” to ameliorate the food security hardships faced by the poor and needy due to unprecedented outbreak of the pandemic.

The scheme is reviewed from time to time for appropriate decision.

In order to ensure management of foodgrains stocks as per norms, to position rice stock for distribution of fortified rice and to ease the pressure on the logistics, this Department substituted a quantity of about 11.06 LMT of wheat per month under the PMGKAY-VI into rice for five (5) months, i.e. May 2022 to September 2022, while maintaining the total allocation made initially in March 2022.

13-Apr-2022: Centre released Rs.2,94,718/- Crore towards Food Subsidy to Food Corporation of India and State Governments under PMGKAY and NFSA in 2021-22

For procurement operations under MSP and seamless distribution of foodgrains under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Ann Yojana (PMGKAY) and National Food Security Act 2013 (NFSA), during Financial Year 2021-22 Department of Food & Public Distribution released Rs.2,94,718/- Crore towards Food Subsidy to Food Corporation of India and State Governments under both DCP and non-DCP operations put together against Revised Estimates of Rs.2,92,419.11 Crores.  This release of food subsidy is about 140% of the Food Subsidy released during 2020-21 and about 267% of the Food Subsidy released during 2019-20, as per following details:-

( Rs. Crores )

*Includes Rs.3,39,236/- Crore budgetary provision to NSSF Loan liability

During financial year 2021-22, Department of Food and Public Distribution has achieved 99.83% of Expenditure by incurring Rs.3,04,361/- Crores against Net Allocation of Rs.3,04,879/-Crores

Department of Food & Public Distribution always look forward to ensure that the benefits of its Schemes reach out to various vulnerable sections of the society.  In this direction during financial year 2021-22, Department of Food & Public Distribution released about Rs.24,000/- Crore for the benefit of Scheduled Castes, Rs.12,000/- Crore for Scheduled Tribes and more than Rs.400/- Crore for North Eastern Region.

 In order to address the challenges posed by COVID-19 pandemic, Government of India has released additional foodgrains free of cost @ 5 kg per person per month, to more than 80 Crore National Food Security Act (NFSA) beneficiaries under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Ann Yojana (PMGKAY), over and above their entitlement of foodgrains under NFSA.  This additional allocation has been made in 5 phases so far from April 2020 to March 2022.  Since inception a total of 758 LMT of foodgrains has been allocated under the Scheme with financial implication of Rs.2.60 Lakh Crore.  PMGKAY has now been extended till September, 2022, which will involve an additional allocation of 244 LMT of foodgrains with additional financial implication of about Rs.80,851/- Crore, as per details furnished below:-

A total of 1175 LMT of foodgrains that include procurement of Wheat during the Rabi Marketing Season 2021-22 and Paddy in Kharif Marketing Season 2021-22 has been achieved with a direct payment of Rs.2.31 Lakh Crore of Minimum Support Price benefitting more than 154 lakh farmers.  Further, procurement of wheat has recently commenced in RMS 2022-23 in the States of Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh and the Department is taking all required steps in this regard. 

Government of India has made a number of schematic interventions in order to support the sugar industry and extended financial assistance to sugar mills thereby clearing cane dues of farmers.  To this direction financial assistance was given under various sugar sector schemes – Scheme for Assistance to Sugar Mills for Sugar Season 2018-19, 2019-20 & 2020-21 (Export Schemes); Scheme for Creation and Maintenance of Buffer Stock (Sugar Season 2018-19 - 30 LMT) & (Sugar Season 2019-20 - 40 LMT), Scheme for Sugar Subsidy for extending financial assistance to sugar Mills for enhancement and augmentation of ethanol production capacity, etc. and loan under Sugar Development Fund.  During Financial Year 2021-22, Government of India  

 Production of ethanol has increased from 173 crore litres in ESY 2019-20 to 302 crore litres during ESY 2020-21 (October 2020 to Sept 2021). Thus, Ethanol blending has increased by 62%, from 5% in ESY 2019-20 to 8.1% in ESY 2020-21. Production capacity of ethanol in the country has also increased to 825 crore litres as on 30.09.2021 which is sufficient to meet target of 10% ethanol blending in ESY 2021-22.  This production capacity has further increased to 849 crore litres till 31.3.2022.  During the financial year 2021-22, Rs.160 Crore were released to NABARD, the nodal bank, under the Ethanol Interest Subvention Scheme of the Department.  The cumulative released under the Scheme till 2021-22 is Rs.360 Crores.

Total Central Pool Storage Capacity with FCI and Stage Agencies is 958.53 LMT.  Further, Department of Food & Public Distribution has been implementing a Central Sector Scheme for Construction of Godowns with focus on North Eastern Region.  Total outlay of the Scheme is Rs.455.72 Crores and till financial year 2021-22 a cumulative amount of Rs.248.72 Crores has been released under the Scheme.  In order to achieve the physical target set under the Scheme, the validity of the Scheme has now been recommended by the Standing Finance Committee for extension by one year beyond 31-March-2022.

Apart from the above, during financial year 2021-22, Government of India released funds under other flagship Schemes of Department of Food & Public Distribution viz. Integrated Management of Public Distribution System, Centrally Sponsored Pilot Scheme for Fortification of Rice and its Distribution under Public Distribution System, etc.

• The Integrated Management of Public Distribution System (IMPDS) Scheme with a total outlay of Rs.127.30 Crore is being implemented by the Department.  Till financial year 2021-22, a cumulative total of Rs.81.61 Crore has been released under the Scheme. 

 One Nation One Ration Card is an important component under the IMPDS Scheme.  Presently a monthly average of about 2.5 Crore portability transactions (including inter-State, intra-State and PM-GKAY foodgrains transactions) are being recorded in the States/UTs under ONORC. So far, a cumulative total of more than 63 Crore portability transactions have been recorded under the ONORC plan, which comprises of 56 Crore portability transactions performed during the pandemic period.

Centrally Sponsored Pilot Scheme for Fortification of Rice and its Distribution under Public Distribution System, with total outlay of Rs 174.64 Crore was implemented by this Department.  Now pursuant to the announcement made by Hon’ble Prime Minister in his Independence Day Speech on 15-Aug-2022 that the Government will fortify rice given under its various Schemes by 2024, the Rice Fortification Scheme has now been approved for pan-India implementation in the country in a phased manner.  Government of India will incur an additional annual expenditure of Rs.2679/- Crore (approx.) upon its pan-India implementation.

To ensure adequacy of foodgrains in the country thereby making appropriate Budgetary support, bring transparency & efficiency in the Public Distribution System and address the challenges arising out of COVID-19 pandemic, Department of Food & Public Distribution made a number of policy interventions and corresponding budgetary provision during financial year 2021-22.

6-Apr-2022: 726 LMT food grains lifted and nearly 690 LMT food grains distributed under PMGKAY

The Union Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Ms. Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today informed about the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY)’ the Government of India, Department of Food and Public Distribution (DFPD) started distribution of ‘additional’ and ‘free-of-cost’ food grains (Rice/Wheat) to around 80 Crore National Food Security Act (NFSA) beneficiaries.

As per the phase wise distribution reports available from the States/UTs, so far, a cumulative total of about 726 Lakh MT of food grains have been lifted and nearly 690 Lakh MT food grains have been distributed by the States/UTs. Year wise and food grain wise figures are shown below:

About 10% of such transactions take place through portability One Nation One Ration Card Plan.

The primary responsibility of beneficiary outreach and awareness generation under NFSA/ PDS has been entrusted to the States/UTs. All States/UTs have been requested to undertake wide-spread publicity and awareness of PM-GKAY and ONORC plan. The Department has also shared various IEC (Information, Education and Communication) materials about ONORC with all States/UTs for regular awareness generation through Fair Price Shops and other public places of importance. Further, the Department also undertakes wide-publicity of ONORC through regular press releases and through Social Media. All States/UTs have also been requested to enable a dedicated 14445 toll-free number for ONORC operations for information dissemination and other matters pertaining to portability of ration cards. States/UTs are also requested to promote awareness about ‘Mera Ration’ Mobile application that has been developed by the Department, in association with NIC, for the benefit of NFSA beneficiaries.

4-Feb-2022: About 50.38 Lakh Metric Ton foodgrains distributed under Phase V of Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana

The Union Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Shri Ashwini Kumar Choubey in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today informed that as per the reports available from States/UTs, up to 31st January 2022, so far about 50.38 Lakh Metric Ton of foodgrains have been distributed under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PM-GKAY) in Phase 5.

Under the PM-GKAY, around 80 Crore beneficiaries in the country covered under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) are eligible to receive additional free of cost foodgrains at the scale of 5 Kg per person per month over and above their monthly NFSA foodgrains. Further, for the implementation of PM-GKAY scheme, since the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic in the country, that is from Phase-I to V, the Department had allocated a total of about 759 LMT foodgrains to the States/UTs equivalent to approximately Rs. 2.6 Lakh Crore in food subsidy.

12-Jan-2022: 19.76 LMT foodgrains distributed to beneficiaries so far in States/UTs under Phase-V of Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PM-GKAY)

In the wake of COVID-19 outbreak in the country in March 2020, pursuant to the announcement of the pro-poor ‘Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package (PMGKP)’ by the Government of India, Department of Food and Public Distribution (DFPD) had started the distribution of ‘additional’ and ‘free-of-cost’ foodgrains (Rice/Wheat) to around 80 Crore National Food Security Act (NFSA) beneficiaries in the country under the “Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PM-GKAY)” to ameliorate the food security hardships faced by the poor and needy due to unprecedented outbreak of the pandemic, lockdowns and thus the economic disruptions caused across the country.

The additional foodgrains are distributed at the scale of 5 Kg per person per month, over and above their regular monthly NFSA foodgrains (i.e., monthly entitlement of their respective NFSA ration cards) as a measure to ensure that no poor, vulnerable or needy beneficiary/ beneficiary household suffers due to non-availability of foodgrains during the pandemic induced economic crises. Thus, through this special food security response during COVID-19 crisis, the Government has almost ‘doubled’ the quantity of monthly foodgrains, being distributed normally to the NFSA households under the Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) and Priority Householders (PHH) categories of the Act.

Initially in 2020-21, the PM-GKAY scheme was announced only for a period of three months of April, May and June 2020 (Phase-I). Later, keeping in view the continuous need to support the food-security of poor and the needy beneficiaries, the Government had extended the distribution of free-foodgrains for a further period of five months from July to November 2020 (Phase-II).

However, with the COVID-19 crisis continuing in 2021-22, the Government in April 2021 had again announced the distribution of free foodgrains under PM-GKAY for a period of two months of May and June 2021 (Phase-III) and extended it for another five months from July to November 2021 (Phase-IV). Further, in November 2021, keeping in view the continuing hardship induced by COVID-19, Government of India had decided to further continue the distribution of free foodgrains from December 2021 to March 2022 (Phase-V).

Under the PM-GKAY scheme (Phases I to V), the Department had so far allocated a total of about 759 Lakh MT foodgrains to the States/UTs for distribution to around 80 Crore NFSA beneficiaries, free of cost, which is equivalent to about Rs. 2.6 Lakh Crore in food subsidy. And, as per the phase wise distribution reports available from the States/UTs, so far, a cumulative total of about 580 Lakh MT foodgrains have been distributed to the beneficiaries.

The Phase wise allocation & distribution of foodgrains is:

1. PMGKAY implementation during 2020-21:
   1. Phases I & II (April to November 2020): The Department had allocated a total quantity of 321 LMT foodgrains to the States/UTs for the 8-month distribution period, of which the States/UTs had reported a total distribution of 298.8 LMT (about 93%) foodgrains to an average of about 94% NFSA population (75 Crore beneficiaries) per month across the country.
2. PMGKAY implementation during 2021-22:
   1. Phase-III (May and June 2021): Under the phase-III, Department had allocated 79.46 LMT foodgrains for a distribution period of 2 months, of which the States/UTs have reported the distribution of 75.2 LMT (about 94.5%) foodgrains to an average of about 95% NFSA population (75.18 Crore beneficiaries) per month.
   2. Phase-IV (July to November 2021): For the 5-month distribution period under phase-IV, the Department had allocated another 198.78 LMT foodgrains to the States/UTs, of which, the States/UTs had reported the distribution of 186.1 LMT (about 93.6%) foodgrains, covering an average of about 93% NFSA population (74.4 Crore beneficiaries) per month.
   3. Phase-V (December 2021 to March 2022): Pursuant to the announcement of continuing the PMGKAY upto March 2022, the Department had issued an allocation order of 163 LMT foodgrains to all States/UTs, for the 4-month distribution period. Since, the distribution of only second month has started recently, the reports available from the States/UTs, shows a distribution of about 19.76 LMT foodgrains to the beneficiaries so far.

Further, the distribution of free foodgrains under Phase-V is presently ongoing, it is anticipated that the distribution performance of the current phase shall also be on the same high level as achieved in the earlier phases.

The Department is continuously monitoring the lifting and distribution of foodgrains by all States/UTs on a day-to-day basis, and so far, the distribution of the additional free-of-cost foodgrains under PM-GKAY to the NFSA beneficiaries in the country has been satisfactory.

There are some best performing States/UTs in distribution under PM-GKAY:

• During 2020-21 (phases I and II) :  Mizoram (100%), Meghalaya ( 100%), Arunachal Pradesh (99%), Sikkim (99%).
• During 2021-22 (phases III and IV): Chhattisgarh (98%), Tripura (97%), Mizoram( 97%), Delhi (97%) and West Bengal ( 97%).

The best performing States/UTs with regard to Portable Transactions under PM-GKAY are

• Using One Nation One Ration (ONORC)  facility, States of Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Haryana and Madhya Pradesh recorded maximum number of Intra-State portability transactions for PMGKAY distribution during phases I to IV.
• Similarly, through ONORC facility, States of Delhi, Haryana, Maharashtra, Gujarat, DNH D&D, UP, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, J&K and Jharkhand recorded maximum number of Inter-State portability transactions for PMGKAY distribution during phases I to IV.

The Aadhaar authenticated distribution of foodgrains during PM-GKAY period:

Excellent performance of Aadhaar based distribution of foodgrains were seen in the States/UTs during the period entailing the PMGKAY phases III-IV:

• 98%-100% Aadhaar based distribution – 12 States/UTs (Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, DNH D&D, Delhi, Haryana, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Punjab, Rajasthan, Telangana, Tripura, UP)   
• 90% - 98% distribution in – 4 States of Goa, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala and Gujarat
• 70% - 90% distribution in – 7 States/UTs (Odisha, Himachal Pradesh, J&K, A&N, Jharkhand, Mizoram and Tamil Nadu).

The Department has undertaken IEC activities under PMGKAY

Department has shared Banners/Hoarding creatives from time to time (June 2020 and Dec 2021) in Hindi and 10 regional languages, namely – Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Marathi, Malayalam, Odiya, Punjabi, Tamil and Telugu with all States/UTs for display at all FPSs, godowns and other places of PDS operations. Additionally, the Department has also sought the cooperation of some Central Ministries/Departments such as Indian Railways, D/o Posts, M/o PNG, M/o I&B to display these banners at strategic locations across the country such as Petrol pumps/ CNG stations, Post offices, Railway stations and other prominent places. The Department also gives wide-publicity about PMGKAY through regular press releases and through updates on its Social Media handles (Twitter & YouTube).

24-Nov-2021: Cabinet approves extension of Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Ann Yojana (PMGKAY) for another four months (December 2021-March 2022)

In pursuance of the pro-people announcement made by  Prime Minister in his address to nation on 07.06.2021 and as part of the Economic Response to COVID -19, the Union  Cabinet has approved the extension for  the  Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY-Phase V) for a  period of  another 4 months i.e. December 2021 till March 2022 @ 5 kg per person per month free of cost for all the beneficiaries covered under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) [Antyodaya Anna Yojana & Priority Households] including those covered under Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).

Phase-I and Phase-II of this scheme was operational from April to June, 2020 and July to November, 2020 respectively. Phase-III of the scheme was operational from May to June, 2021. Phase-IV of the scheme is currently operational for July-November, 2021 months.

The PMGKAY scheme for Phase V from December 2021 till March, 2022 would entail an estimated additional food subsidy of Rs. 53344.52 Crore

The total outgo in terms of food-grains for PMGKAY Phase V is likely to be about 163 LMT.

It may be recalled that in the wake of economic disruptions caused by the unprecedented outbreak of COVID-19 in the country last year, the Government in March 2020 had announced the distribution of additional free-of-cost foodgrains (Rice/Wheat) to about 80 Crore National Food Security Act (NFSA) beneficiaries at the scale of 5 Kg per person per month under the PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PM-GKAY), over and above the regular monthly NFSA foodgrains i.e., regular entitlements of their ration cards, so that the poor, needy and the vulnerable households/beneficiaries do not suffer on account of non-availability of adequate foodgrains during the times of economic crisis. So far, under the PM-GKAY(phase I to IV) the Department had allocated a total of almost 600 LMT foodgrains to the States/UTs equivalent to about Rs. 2.07 Lakh Crore in food subsidy.

The distribution under PMGKAY-IV is presently ongoing, and as per the reports available from States/UTs so far,  93.8% foodgrains have been lifted and nearly 37.32 LMT (93.9% of July’21), 37.20 LMT (93.6% of Aug’21), 36.87 LMT (92.8% of Sept’21), 35.4 LMT (89% of Oct’21) and 17.9 LMT ( 45% of Nov’21) foodgrains have been distributed to about 74.64 Crore, 74.4 Crore, 73.75 Crore, 70.8 Crore and 35.8 crore beneficiaries respectively.

Going by the experience of earlier phases, the performance of PMGKAY-V is also expected to be on the same high level as achieved before.

Overall, the government will be incurring an expenditure of nearly Rs.2.60 lakh Crore in PMGKAY Phase I- V.

7-Aug-2021: About 5 crore beneficiaries are getting the benefit of the PMGKAY scheme in Madhya Pradesh

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi interacted with the beneficiaries of Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) in Madhya Pradesh today via video conferencing. An intensive campaign to create more awareness about the scheme is being conducted by the state government so that no eligible person is left out. The state is celebrating 7th August, 2021 as Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana Day. Governor and Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh were present on the occasion. About 5 crore beneficiaries are getting the benefit of the scheme in Madhya Pradesh.

Referring to Corona pandemic as once in a century calamity, the Prime Minister said that entire nation stood as one to fight against the challenge. He reiterated that, in the strategy for dealing with the crisis, India accorded the highest priority to the poor.  From the very first day itself, attention was paid to food and employment of the poor and labourers. Not only more than 80 crore citizens are getting free ration but more than 8 crore poor families got free gas cylinder.

Talking about the advantages double engine government at the state, the Prime Minister lauded the state government for record MSP purchase. Madhya Pradesh, this year, purchased wheat from more than 17 lakh farmers and 25 thousand crore rupees were directly deposited in their account. The state established maximum number of wheat purchase centres this year. In ‘Double-Engine governments’, state governments supplement and improve the schemes of the central government and increase their power.

It is to be noted that in year 2020, for a period of 8 months i.e., from April 2020 to November 2020, under PM-GKAY, Madhya Pradesh was allocated 21.9 Lakh MT foodgrains by Central Government for free of cost distribution to NFSA beneficiaries @ 5 Kg per person per month. Similarly, an allocation of 16.89 lakh MT of PM-GKAY food grain has been provisioned for the State of Madhya Pradesh for 7 months period in 2021 i.e., from May 2021 to November 2021. Under PM-GKAY 2020 (April to November 2020) on an average, 85.4 % of foodgrains was distributed in Madhya Pradesh and under PM-GKAY 2021 (i.e., from May to November 2021), so far, an average of almost 89% of foodgrains has been distributed in the State of Madhya Pradesh from May 2021 till July 2021.

The State of Madhya Pradesh has established a technologically robust Public Distribution System with an automated supply chain management & Aadhaar seeding of around 100 % of the NFSA ration cards in the state. The distribution of foodgrains in the State is done with maximum transparency, with an average of more than 90.6 % of Aadhaar authenticated PDS transactions which is progressively increasing in the recent months.

The ambitious ‘One Nation One Ration Card’ (ONORC) Plan, which is also an integral part of the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s Technology Driven System Reforms under the AtmaNirbhar Bharat Abhiyan, was enabled in the State from January 2020 and since inception around 1 Crore portability transactions (including intra-state transactions) has been recorded in the State.  ONORC plan is currently enabled in 33 States/UTs and is serving as a gamechanger by allowing the NFSA beneficiaries, particularly migrant beneficiaries, to access the NFSA entitlements from any Fair Price Shop (FPS) in the country.

To ameliorate the hardships faced by the poor and needy due to economic disruptions caused by the pandemic, the Central Government through Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PM-GKAY) almost doubled the quantity of monthly foodgrains being distributed normally to around 80 Crore beneficiaries in the country covered under National Food Security Act (NFSA) by providing them an additional quantity of 5 Kg foodgrains per person per month, free-of-cost, over and above the normal NFSA entitlement of their Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY)/ Priority Householders (PHH) ration cards (i.e., 35 Kg per AAY family and 5 Kg per PHH person per month respectively). Initially, this additional free benefit under PMGKAY was provided for a period of three months (i.e., April to June 2020). However, with the crisis continuing, the program was extended for another five months (i.e., July to November 2020). After the onset of the second wave of the pandemic, PM-GKAY was once again rolled-out for a period of two months (i.e., May and June 2021) and was further extended for a period of five months (i.e., July to November 2021).

27-Jul-2021: 278 LMT foodgrains allocated free of cost to approximately 80 Crore beneficiaries under PMGKAY

The Union Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution,   Ms. Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today informed that during the year 2021 for the period of 7 months i.e. May-November, 2021 about 278 LMT foodgrains have been allocated free of cost to approximately 80 Crore NFSA beneficiaries under PMGKAY).

Similarly, about 322 Lakh Metric Tons (LMT) of food-grains had been allocated to approx. 80 crore beneficiaries during the period of 8 months i.e. April-November in 2020.

In pursuance of the pro-poor measures  under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package as part of the Economic Response to COVID -19, Govt of India had launched scheme i.e. Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana(PMGKAY) for additional allocation of food-grains from the Central Pool @ 5 kg per person per month free of cost for all the beneficiaries covered under Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS)/National Food Security Act(NFSA) (Antyodaya Anna Yojana(AAY) & Priority Households(PHH)) including those covered under Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).

23-Jun-2021: Government approves extension of Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PM-GKAY), from July 2021 up to November, 2021

The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved allocation of additional foodgrains under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana (Phase IV) – for another period of 5 months i.e. July to November, 2021 @ 5 kg per person per month free of cost for maximum 81.35 Crore beneficiaries covered under National Food Security Act (NFSA) (Antyodaya Anna Yojana and Priority Households) including those covered under Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).

In 2020, Government of India had announced the “Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana” (PM-GKAY) for all beneficiaries covered under the National Food Security Act, 2013 (NFSA) as part of the pro-poor PM Garib Kalyan Package for the period April-November, 2020. Around 80 Crore NFSA beneficiaries were allocated additional 5 kg of foodgrains (Wheat or Rice), free of cost for a period of 8 months (April-November 2020), thereby ensuring food security of poor/vulnerable beneficiaries/households in the wake of economic disruptions caused by the COVID-19 outbreak in the country. Under PM-GKAY2020, (April - November 2020), a total of about 321 Lakh MT foodgrains was allocated by the Department to all States/UTs, about 305 Lakh MT food grains lifted by States/UTs and a total of about 298 LMT of foodgrains (i.e. around 93% of allocated quantity) was distributed all over the country.

In 2021, owing to the on-going severe COVID-19 pandemic across the country and the economic disruptions in its wake, Government of India had announced to implement the “Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana”(PM-GKAY) for a period of two months i.e., May 2021 and June 2021 at an estimated expenditure of about Rs. 26,602 Crore, on the same lines as PMGKAY 2020. A total allocation of over 79 LMT of foodgrains was done for the purpose. Under PM-GKAY 2021 (May – June 2021), so far, more than 76Lakh MT Foodgrains, i.e. more than 96% of the allocated foodgrains have been lifted by States/UTs. Further, more than 35 Lakh MT food grains (i.e. around90% of monthly allocation) have been distributed by States/UTs for May 2021and more than 23 Lakh MT food grains (i.e. around 59% of monthly allocation)have been distributed for June 2021. Around 80 crore NFSA beneficiaries are receiving 5 Kg additional free-of-cost foodgrains (wheat or rice) for the months of May 2021 and June, 2021.

On a review of the continuing COVID 19 situation in the country and to help the poor and the needy during the crisis, Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, in his address to the nation on 7th June 2021, announced the extension of the PMGKAY (2021) Scheme for a further period of five month still Diwali in November, 2021. An additional allocation of 5 kg of foodgrains(Wheat or Rice), free of cost, involving a total quantity of around 204 LMT of foodgrains for a period of further 5 months will be provided to around 80 Crore NFSA beneficiaries with an estimated financial implication of up to Rs. 67,266Crore. This additional free of cost allocation of food grains will be over and above the regular monthly food grains allocated for beneficiaries covered under the NFSA. The entire cost of this additional allocation under PM-GKAY, including the expenditure on intra state transportation, dealers’ margin etc., will be borne by Government of India without any sharing by States/UTs.

8-Jun-2021: Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana extended till Deepawali

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi yesterday in his address to the nation conveyed the decision of extension of Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Ann Yojana (PMGKAY-III) till the Deepawali. This means that till November 2021, more than 80 crore people will continue to get decided amount of free food grain every month.

Till 07.06.2021, Food Corporation of India has supplied 69 LMT free food grains to all 36 States/ UTs. 13 States/ UTs i.e. Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Chandigarh, Goa, Kerala, Lakshadweep, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Puducherry, Punjab, Telangana and Tripura have lifted full allocation for May-June 2021. 23 States/ UTs i.e. Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Daman Diu D&NH, Delhi, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Ladakh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Odisha, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and West Bengal have lifted 100% May 2021 allocation.

Out of 7 North Eastern States, 5 States i.e. Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura have lifted the full allocation of May-June 2021. In Manipur and Assam, lifting of free food grains is in full swing and likely to be completed shortly.

FCI is transporting food grains all across the country to ensure smooth supply to all States/ UT Governments. During May 2021, 1433 food grain rakes have been loaded by FCI at an average 46 rakes per day.

The Government of India will bear the entire cost on account of such distribution including food subsidy, intra-state transportation and dealer’s margin/ additional dealers margin, without any sharing by States/ UTs.

The Government of India has sensitized all the States/ UT Governments to complete the distribution of free food grains under PMGKAY in time bound manner. Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana is facilitating supply of free food grains to the beneficiaries amidst ongoing COVID pandemic and thus providing food security to the beneficiaries. The Government of India announced Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) to ameliorate the hardship faced by the poor due to economic disruption caused by Corona virus. Under the scheme, free food grains @ 5 kg per person per month is being distributed to beneficiaries covered under NFSA.

25-May-2021: PMGKAY operations speed up all across the country

The scheme of free distribution of foodgrains to the beneficiaries under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY), has provided a big relief to the beneficiaries during ongoing COVID pandemic period.

Till 24th May, 2021, FCI has supplied 48 LMT free foodgrains to all 36 States/ UTs. 5 States/ UTs i.e. Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Lakshadweep, Puducherry and Telangana have lifted full allocation for May-June 2021. 26 States/ UTs i.e. Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Assam, Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh, Daman Diu D&NH, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Ladakh, Madhya Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Punjab, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Bengal have lifted 100% May, 2021 allocation.

To ensure smooth supply of foodgrains in the country, FCI has planned the logistics in advance. Against the lifting of allocated stocks, the same are replenished on regular basis thus maintaining adequate foodgrains in all the States/ UTs, all the time. During May 2021, FCI has already loaded 1062 rakes i.e. average 44 rakes per day. At present, 295 LMT wheat and 597 LMT rice (total 892 LMT) foodgrains are available under the Central Pool.

During the COVID pandemic period, since 25th March, 2020, FCI has issued total 1062 LMT foodgrains under various Government schemes.

As a pro poor initiative, under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY), Government of India is distributing free foodgrains for a period of two months (May-June 2021) @ 5kg per person per month to approx. 79.39 crore beneficiaries covered under NFSA. This allocation is in addition to regular NFSA allocation and 79.39 LMT foodgrains have to be issued under the said scheme.