What is PMGKAY Free Ration?
PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) provides free food grain — 5 kg wheat/rice per person per month — to 81.35 crore beneficiaries covered under the National Food Security Act (NFSA). Launched in April 2020 during COVID-19, made permanent from January 2024 under the NFSA umbrella. No payment required — grain is distributed free through PDS ration shops. Budget: ₹2 lakh crore annually. Managed by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution.
PMGKAY Free Ration — Quick Overview
| Scheme Name | PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) 2026 — Free 5 kg Grain/Month to 81 Crore |
| Launched By | Government of India |
| Launch Year | 2020 |
| Benefit | 5 kg free grain/month per person (wheat or rice) — no payment required at ration shop |
| Category | Agriculture |
| Last Verified | 2 May 2026 |
| Official Portal | https://nfsa.gov.in |
पीएम गरीब कल्याण अन्न योजना (PMGKAY) भारत की सबसे बड़ी खाद्य सुरक्षा योजना है। राष्ट्रीय खाद्य सुरक्षा अधिनियम (NFSA) के तहत 81.35 करोड़ लाभार्थियों को प्रति माह प्रति व्यक्ति 5 किलो गेहूं/चावल पूरी तरह मुफ्त मिलता है। अप्रैल 2020 में COVID-19 राहत के रूप में शुरू, जनवरी 2024 से NFSA के तहत स्थायी। राशन कार्ड से नजदीकी FPS पर मुफ्त अनाज लें।
5 किलो मुफ्त अनाज/माह प्रति व्यक्ति (गेहूं या चावल) — राशन दुकान पर शून्य भुगतान
Benefits of PMGKAY Free Ration
5 kg free grain/month per person (wheat or rice) — no payment required at ration shop
Who is Eligible for PMGKAY Free Ration?
- ✓Must hold a valid NFSA ration card (Antyodaya Anna Yojana or Priority Household card)
- ✓All AAY families (yellow card) and Priority Household (PHH) card holders are covered
- ✓81.35 crore persons across all states and UTs
- ✓No income ceiling — eligibility determined by state government during NFSA enrolment
Documents Required for PMGKAY Free Ration
How to Apply for PMGKAY Free Ration Online?
- 1Visit your nearest Fair Price Shop (FPS) on allotted distribution day
- 2Provide ration card number and biometric/OTP Aadhaar authentication
- 3Collect 5 kg free grain per member — no payment required
- 4To check your name in NFSA list: nfsa.gov.in → Ration Card → State Ration Card Details
Official Government Portal
nfsa.gov.in is the only authorised application channel, and the government charges nothing there — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
🔗Apply on nfsa.gov.in