Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana: Gujarat Reaches Over 76 Lakh Families with Free Food

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Central Government has launched several welfare schemes aimed at uplifting the poor and underprivileged sections of society. One such scheme is the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY), which was introduced five years ago. It has served as a crucial lifeline for Antyoday families, particularly during times of hardship, as stated by the Gujarat Chief Minister’s office in a press release.

Gujarat’s Role in Implementation

Under the guidance of Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, the state has ensured the effective execution of PMGKAY. In 2024, Gujarat distributed 21.91 lakh metric tons of food grains under this scheme, amounting to an estimated ₹7,529 crore. This initiative highlights the state’s strong commitment to ensuring the welfare of its citizens, particularly the most vulnerable.

PMGKAY was initially launched to provide free food grains to poor families, particularly during the challenges posed by the Corona pandemic. Due to its success in alleviating financial burdens, the scheme has been extended until December 2028, continuing to support those in need.

Coverage and Benefits for Families

Under PMGKAY, Antyoday families, as per the National Food Security Act-2013 (NFSA), receive 35 kilograms of food grains per month, while priority households are allotted 5 kilograms per person per month. This ensures that millions of families across the nation have access to essential food supplies.

In Gujarat, the government has provided free food grains to 3.72 crore beneficiaries, encompassing over 76.6 lakh families. In 2024 alone, the state distributed 21.91 lakh metric tons of food grains, worth ₹7,529 crore. This effort covers over 36.40 lakh beneficiaries under the Antyodaya Anna Yojana and more than 3.30 crore beneficiaries from priority households.

Budget Allocation for Welfare Schemes

In the Gujarat Budget for 2025-26, a total of ₹2,712 crore has been allocated to the Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs Department. This includes ₹767 crore for distributing tur dal and gram to NFSA ration cardholders, ₹675 crore for food grains distribution, and ₹160 crore for supplying edible oil at subsidized rates. Additionally, ₹37 crore has been allocated as an incentive bonus for promoting the cultivation and consumption of millets like Bajra, Jowar, and Ragi.

Conclusion

The Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) has proven to be a vital initiative in the fight against poverty and food insecurity. Through effective implementation in Gujarat, the scheme has positively impacted millions of families by providing essential food grains.

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