What this scheme offers
A subsidised ration is still a cost, and for a household right at the edge, even a subsidised cost can be the thing that doesn't get paid some months. PMGKAY removes that cost entirely: 5 kg of foodgrain per person per month, completely free, on top of whatever a family already gets through its regular NFSA ration entitlement. It isn't a separate scheme you apply for — since January 2023 it's been folded directly into the National Food Security Act system, so it reaches anyone already holding an Antyodaya (AAY) or Priority Household (PHH) ration card automatically. Originally a COVID-era emergency measure, it's been extended repeatedly and now runs through December 2028, reaching roughly 81 crore people — meaning the honest way to think about this isn't "a scheme to apply for" but "free grain that shows up automatically if your ration card is in order."
Who is eligible
- Hold an Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) or Priority Household (PHH) ration card under the National Food Security Act.
- Ration card Aadhaar-seeded and up to date.
- No separate income or category test beyond already qualifying for NFSA coverage.
Documents required
- Aadhaar card
- Existing NFSA ration card (AAY or PHH category)
- Aadhaar-ration card linkage (seeding) completed
How to apply
- There's no separate PMGKAY application — the free grain is added automatically to the entitlement of every existing AAY or PHH ration card holder.
- If you don't yet have an NFSA ration card, apply for one through your state's Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs department.
- Make sure your Aadhaar is seeded (linked) to your ration card at your local Fair Price Shop or online, since unseeded cards can face disruptions.
- Collect your monthly entitlement — both the subsidised NFSA portion and the free PMGKAY top-up — from your designated Fair Price Shop.
- Check your lifting status and entitlement at mera.pmgkay.gov.in or through the One Nation One Ration Card system if you've moved states.