PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) — Free Ration Scheme, Eligibility & How to Get

What is PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY)?

PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana is a food security scheme by the Government of India that provides free foodgrains to eligible families. Originally launched in April 2020 during COVID-19, it was integrated into the National Food Security Act (NFSA) framework and has been extended through December 2028.

Under this scheme, every eligible beneficiary receives 5 kg of foodgrains (rice or wheat) per person per month absolutely free through the Public Distribution System (PDS) via Fair Price Shops (FPS).

Scale: PMGKAY covers approximately 81.35 crore beneficiaries across India, making it the world's largest food security programme.

Who is Eligible?

Eligibility is based on your ration card category under NFSA:

Priority Households (PHH)

• Families identified by state governments based on socio-economic criteria
• Each member gets 5 kg free foodgrains per month

Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) Households

• Poorest of the poor families
• Each household gets 35 kg free foodgrains per month (regardless of family size)

Eligible Categories Typically Include:

• BPL (Below Poverty Line) families
• Landless agricultural labourers
• Marginal farmers (with less than 1 hectare)
• Rural artisans/craftsmen (potters, tanners, weavers, etc.)
• Slum dwellers
• Earning members with income below state threshold
• Widows, disabled, senior citizens without support
• Primitive tribal groups

Note: If you already have a PHH or AAY ration card, you're automatically covered. See our ration card application guide if you don't have one.

What You Get

Prior to PMGKAY integration, PHH families paid ₹2/kg wheat and ₹3/kg rice. Now everything is completely free under the scheme.

Documents Required

To Access Free Ration (If You Already Have a Ration Card)

• Ration Card (PHH or AAY category)
• Aadhaar Card (for biometric authentication at FPS)

To Apply for a New Ration Card

• Aadhaar Card of all family members
• Address proof (electricity bill, rent agreement)
• Income certificate (from Tehsildar/SDM)
• Passport-size photographs
• Mobile number
• See our detailed ration card guide for the full process

How to Get Free Ration — Step-by-Step

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

• Visit nfsa.gov.in → "Know Your Entitlement"
• Enter your state and ration card number
• Verify your name and entitlement details

Step 2: Locate Your Fair Price Shop (FPS)

• Your ration card is linked to a designated FPS in your area
• Check the FPS details on your ration card or at annavitran.nic.in
• You can also find nearby FPS using the Mera Ration mobile app

Step 3: Visit the FPS on Distribution Days

• FPS typically distribute ration on fixed dates each month (varies by state)
• Carry your ration card and Aadhaar card
• Distribution usually happens in the first 2 weeks of each month

Step 4: Biometric Authentication

• Place your finger on the Aadhaar-enabled POS machine at the FPS
• The system verifies your identity and entitlement
• Upon successful verification, the FPS dealer provides your ration

Step 5: Collect Your Ration

• Verify the quantity (weigh if possible)
• Check the quality of grains
• Collect your receipt/slip from the POS machine
• Your entitlement is updated in the central system

One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC)

Under the portability feature, you can collect your ration from any Fair Price Shop in India, not just the one linked to your card. This is especially useful for:

• Migrant workers working in other states
• Families temporarily relocated for work or personal reasons

To use portability:

1. Visit any FPS in India with your ration card and Aadhaar
2. Complete biometric authentication
3. Collect your entitled ration
4. The transaction is recorded centrally

Fees

Important Tips

1. Link Aadhaar to ration card — biometric authentication is mandatory at most FPS. Without Aadhaar linking, you may face issues. Visit nfsa.gov.in to check linking status.
2. Use the Mera Ration App — download from Google Play Store to track entitlements, locate FPS, and check transaction history.
3. Don't accept less quantity — you are entitled to the full amount. If the FPS gives less, file a complaint.
4. File complaints for irregularities — call the National Food Security helpline 1967 or use the state food department portal.
5. Update your ration card if family size changes — add or remove members to ensure correct entitlement. See our ration card correction guide.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Is PMGKAY still active?

Yes. The scheme has been extended and integrated with NFSA. Free ration continues for all eligible beneficiaries through December 2028.

Q2: I have an APL ration card. Am I eligible?

No. PMGKAY free ration is only for PHH and AAY category ration card holders. APL card holders are not covered under NFSA.

Q3: What if the FPS dealer refuses to give free ration?

You can file a complaint through:

• National helpline: 1967
• State food department portal/helpline
• District Supply Officer office
• Mera Ration App complaint feature

Q4: Can I get ration from any FPS in India?

Yes, under the One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC) scheme, you can collect ration from any FPS using Aadhaar biometric verification.

Q5: What if my Aadhaar biometric fails at the FPS?

If biometric authentication fails, ask the FPS dealer to use OTP-based authentication (OTP sent to Aadhaar-linked mobile). If that also fails, contact the district food department.

Q6: Is this scheme only for rural areas?

No. PMGKAY covers both rural and urban areas. Urban poor, slum dwellers, and migrant workers are all eligible if they hold PHH/AAY ration cards.

Q7: How do I apply for a ration card if I don't have one?

Visit your state food department portal or apply through CSC. Each state has its own process. See our comprehensive ration card application guide.

This guide is for informational purposes only. CitizenNest is an independent platform and is not affiliated with the Government of India. Always verify details on nfsa.gov.in before relying on this information.