Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana 2024: Food security remains a critical priority for the Government of India, especially for the underprivileged and marginalized sections of society. To address this concern, several welfare schemes have been implemented, one of which is the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY). Introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, this scheme aimed to provide essential support to those in need.
Under PMGKAY, millions of impoverished families receive free rations, ensuring they have access to sufficient food resources. This article will delve into the key features of the scheme, its benefits, and other important aspects that highlight its role in promoting food security across the nation.
Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana 2024 Overview
| Name of the scheme | Prime Minister Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana |
| Launch of the scheme | March 2020 |
| application system | Online and offline |
| Objective of the scheme | To provide food security to the poor and weaker sections of the country. |
| official website | https://dfpd.gov.in/ |
What is Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY)?
Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) is a food security initiative launched by the Government of India in March 2020 to mitigate the economic hardships caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The scheme’s primary objective is to provide free food grains to vulnerable families affected by income loss during the lockdown. Initially planned to last until May 2020, PMGKAY has been extended multiple times and is now set to continue until 2029, ensuring wider coverage for underprivileged families.
Beneficiaries of PMGKAY
The scheme provides free food grains through the Public Distribution System (PDS) to the following groups:
Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) Families
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- These are the poorest families, receiving a fixed quantity of food grains every month.
Priority Households (PHH)
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- These are families with ration cards but do not fall under the AAY category.
Benefits under (PMGKAY) Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana 2024
The benefits vary based on the family’s category as outlined below:
| Category | Free Food Grains per Person per Month |
|---|---|
| Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) | 35 kg per family |
| Priority Households (PHH) | 5 kg per person |
Eligibility Criteria for PMGKAY
Eligible beneficiaries include:
- Families below the poverty line.
- AAY beneficiaries and priority households.
- Special categories such as widows, the elderly (60+ years), disabled individuals, critically ill patients, single men or women, and all tribal families.
Additionally, landless agricultural workers, marginal farmers, rural artisans, informal sector workers, and HIV-positive individuals from BPL families are also eligible.
How to Apply for Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana 2024 (PMGKAY)
Online Application Process
- Registration: Visit the official website of your state’s Food and Civil Supplies Department.
- Fill out the Form: Provide personal and family details in the online application form.
- Upload Documents: Attach necessary documents like ration cards and identity proofs.
- Submit: Review and submit the application form.
Offline Application Process
- Collect the Form: Visit your nearest ration card office and obtain the application form.
- Fill and Attach Documents: Carefully complete the form and attach the required documents.
- Submit: Submit the form at the designated office.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- When did PMGKAY start?
PMGKAY was launched in March 2020. - Who introduced PMGKAY?
The scheme was initiated by the Government of India to ensure food security for poor and vulnerable populations.
If you are eligible, apply soon and avail of 5 kg of free food grains per person each month under this essential scheme.