Free Ration- Good news for ration card holders. Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) is a food security scheme launched by the Government of India, aimed at providing free food grains to the economically weaker sections, especially the beneficiaries of Below Poverty Line (BPL) and Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY). The scheme was launched on 26 March 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure food security to poor families.
In fact, Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana is one of the largest food security schemes in the world, which benefits about 81.35 crore people. Under the scheme, every member of the eligible ration card is given 5 kg of wheat or rice free. Actually, under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), eligible families get 5 kg of free food grains (wheat/rice) per person per month. The Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, launched to provide free ration to the poor, will continue till the year 2029.
This scheme is operated by government ration shops across the country. The beneficiaries of the scheme can get ration under different ration cards at these shops. Under ‘One Nation One Ration Card’, beneficiaries can get ration anywhere in the country.
Eligibility Criteria
The benefits of PMGKAY are mainly available to the families covered under NFSA, 2013, which includes the following – Beneficiaries of Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY), the poorest families in rural areas, such as landless agricultural laborers, marginal farmers, rural artisans (potters, cobbler, weavers, blacksmiths, carpenters. If we talk about cities, then slum dwellers, daily wage laborers (porters, rickshaw pullers, fruit and flower vendors, snake charmers, rag pickers, cobblers, destitute) get the benefit of this scheme.
Documents required:
Active ration card (AAY or PHH category).
Aadhar card (for authentication to receive ration).
BPL certificate or income certificate may be required in some states.
If you want to take advantage of PMGKAY, first check the status of your ration card. If you do not have a ration card, immediately contact the Food and Civil Supplies Department of your state. For more information, visit the official website dfpd.gov.in or contact the local ration dealer.
How to Apply
There is no need to apply separately to get free ration under PMGKAY, if you already have a ration card under NFSA. That is, if you have an AAY or PHH ration card, then you are automatically eligible for this scheme. On the other hand, if you do not have a ration card, then you will have to first apply for a ration card.
How to apply for ration card
Visit the official website of your state’s Food and Civil Supplies Department (eg, epds.nic.in or the respective state portal). Select ‘New Ration Card Application’ or similar option. Fill in personal details, income, and other required information in the application form. Aadhaar card, income certificate, residence proof, photo will be required as documents. Apart from this, contact the nearest Food and Civil Supplies Office or ration dealer under the offline process.