Annapurna Scheme — Free Food Grains for Senior Citizens

The Annapurna Scheme is a Government of India food security programme that provides 10 kg of food grains per month free of cost to eligible senior citizens who are aged 65 years or above and are not receiving any pension under the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) or any state pension scheme.

Launched by the Ministry of Rural Development, the scheme aims to ensure that no senior citizen in India goes hungry due to lack of income or pension support.

Disclaimer: CitizenNest is an independent informational platform. We are not affiliated with any government department. Always verify details on official government websites before applying.

What is the Annapurna Scheme?

The Annapurna Scheme was introduced in 2000 by the Central Government to address food insecurity among destitute senior citizens. Under this scheme:

• 10 kg of food grains (rice or wheat) are provided every month
• The food grains are supplied completely free of charge
• The scheme is implemented through the Public Distribution System (PDS) via state and UT governments
• It covers senior citizens who are eligible for the Old Age Pension but are not currently receiving any pension

The scheme is funded by the Central Government, and the food grains are distributed through ration card fair price shops.

Who is Eligible for the Annapurna Scheme?

To qualify for the Annapurna Scheme, you must meet all of the following conditions:

1. Age: Must be 65 years or older
2. Pension status: Must not be receiving pension under the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS) or any state pension scheme
3. Income: Must be a destitute — having little or no regular means of income from own sources or through family members
4. BPL status: Priority is given to applicants from Below Poverty Line (BPL) families (see our BPL card guide)
5. Citizenship: Must be an Indian citizen
6. Residency: Must be a resident of the state/UT where applying

Who is NOT Eligible?

• Senior citizens already receiving Old Age Pension or Widow Pension or Disability Pension
• Persons below 65 years of age
• Persons with sufficient means of livelihood

Documents Required

Identity & Age Proof (any one)

• Aadhaar card
• Voter ID card
• Age certificate issued by a registered medical officer
• Birth certificate
• School leaving certificate

Address Proof (any one)

• Aadhaar card
• Ration card
• Voter ID card
• Electricity or water bill

Income & Status Proof

• BPL certificate or BPL card (if applicable)
• Income certificate from Tehsildar or competent authority
• No-pension certificate — declaration or certificate confirming the applicant is not receiving any pension

Other Documents

• 2 passport-sized photographs
• Bank account details (some states require this)
• E-Shram card (if available — may strengthen the application)

How to Apply for the Annapurna Scheme

The Annapurna Scheme is primarily implemented at the state and district level. The application process varies by state, but the general procedure is as follows:

Offline Process (Most Common)

1. Visit the local office: Go to your nearest Gram Panchayat office (rural areas) or Municipal Corporation/Nagar Palika office (urban areas)
2. Collect the application form: Ask for the Annapurna Scheme application form. In some states, the form is also available at the District Social Welfare Office or Block Development Office
3. Fill in the form: Enter your personal details — name, age, address, Aadhaar number, and income details
4. Attach documents: Attach self-attested copies of all required documents (age proof, address proof, income certificate, no-pension certificate, photographs)
5. Submit the form: Submit the completed form along with documents to the designated officer (Gram Panchayat Secretary, Block Development Officer, or Municipal Officer)
6. Verification: Officials will verify your details, including a physical verification at your residence in some states
7. Approval: After verification, the application is forwarded to the District Social Welfare Officer or Sub-Divisional Magistrate for final approval
8. Start receiving grains: Once approved, you will be issued an Annapurna card/slip. Collect your 10 kg food grains monthly from the designated fair price shop (ration shop)

Online Process (Select States)

Some states have introduced online portals for welfare scheme applications. Check your state's official portal:

1. Visit your state government's social welfare or food & civil supplies department website
2. Look for "Annapurna Scheme" or "Senior Citizen Food Scheme" under the schemes section
3. Register with your mobile number and Aadhaar
4. Fill in the online application form with required details
5. Upload scanned copies of documents
6. Submit and note the application reference number
7. Track your application status online using the reference number

Note: In most states, the offline process through local bodies remains the primary method of application.

Benefits of the Annapurna Scheme

Key Advantages

• Ensures food security for elderly citizens without pension support
• No fees — the application and food grains are both free
• Complements the One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC) initiative for portability
• Reduces dependency on family for basic food needs
• Provides dignity and self-sufficiency to senior citizens

Processing Time

• Application submission to verification: 2–4 weeks (varies by state)
• Verification to approval: 2–6 weeks
• Total estimated time: 1–3 months depending on the state and district
• Some states process applications faster through district-level camps

Note: Processing times vary significantly across states. Follow up with your local Gram Panchayat or Municipal office if there is a delay.

Important Tips

1. Check pension status first: If you are eligible for Old Age Pension (IGNOAPS), apply for that instead — it provides a monthly cash benefit. The Annapurna Scheme is specifically for those who do NOT receive any pension.

2. Get the no-pension certificate: The most critical document is proof that you are not receiving any pension. Get this from your District Social Welfare Office or Block office before applying.

3. Keep your Aadhaar linked: Ensure your Aadhaar is linked to your ration card and bank account for smooth processing and verification.

4. Apply through camps: Many states and districts conduct special camps for welfare scheme enrolment. These camps process applications faster — check with your local Gram Panchayat.

5. Collect grains regularly: Once approved, collect your food grains every month from the designated fair price shop. Failing to collect for several consecutive months may lead to removal from the beneficiary list.

Difference Between Annapurna Scheme and Old Age Pension (IGNOAPS)

A senior citizen can receive either the Annapurna Scheme benefit or the Old Age Pension — not both.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the Annapurna Scheme?

The Annapurna Scheme is a Central Government programme that provides 10 kg of free food grains (rice or wheat) every month to senior citizens aged 65 years and above who are not receiving any old age pension.

2. Who is eligible for the Annapurna Scheme?

Indian citizens aged 65 years or older who are destitute and not receiving pension under IGNOAPS, any state pension scheme, or any other pension are eligible. Priority is given to BPL families.

3. How much food grain is provided under the Annapurna Scheme?

Beneficiaries receive 10 kg of food grains per month — either rice or wheat — completely free of cost.

4. Is there any fee to apply for the Annapurna Scheme?

No. There is no application fee. Both the application process and the food grains are completely free.

5. Can I get both Old Age Pension and Annapurna Scheme benefits?

No. The Annapurna Scheme is meant for senior citizens who are not covered under any pension scheme. You can receive only one of the two benefits.

6. Where do I collect food grains under the Annapurna Scheme?

Food grains are distributed through fair price shops (ration shops) under the Public Distribution System in your area.

7. How do I apply for the Annapurna Scheme?

Visit your nearest Gram Panchayat (rural) or Municipal office (urban), collect the application form, attach required documents, and submit. Some states also accept online applications through their welfare portals.

8. What documents are needed for the Annapurna Scheme?

You need age proof (Aadhaar/birth certificate), address proof, income certificate, BPL certificate (if applicable), no-pension certificate, and passport-sized photographs.

9. How long does it take to get approval?

The process typically takes 1 to 3 months from application to approval, depending on your state and district.

10. Is the Annapurna Scheme available in all states?

Yes, the Annapurna Scheme is a Central Government scheme implemented across all states and Union Territories through their respective food and civil supplies departments.

Last updated: February 2026. Information is based on publicly available government sources. Verify details on nsap.nic.in or your state government portal before applying.