**Summary:**
The Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) was initiated to alleviate economic hardships faced by the poor due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Under the scheme, the government provides free foodgrains to beneficiaries, supplementing their regular allocations. During PMGKAY Phases I-VII, approximately 1118 LMT of foodgrains were allocated over 28 months, with a total financial outlay of approximately Rs. 3.91 lakh crore. Effective January 1, 2023, the Central Government decided to provide food grains free of cost to Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) households and Priority Households (PHH) beneficiaries under PMGKAY, ensuring nationwide uniformity and relieving financial burdens. The distribution of free foodgrains has been extended for five years from January 1, 2024. Currently, 80.56 crore beneficiaries have been identified by States/UTs against an intended coverage of 81.35 crore, including 8.28 lakh beneficiaries in the Shahdol Lok Sabha Constituency. As of July 31, 2025, 303.42 Lakh MT of foodgrains have been distributed by all States/UTs in the current financial year. The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution oversees the PMGKAY program.
Key Entities Referenced
Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY): A food security scheme launched by the Government of India to provide free food grains to the poor and needy, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution: The Indian government ministry responsible for policies related to consumer affairs, food, and public distribution.
Shahdol Lok Sabha Constituency: A parliamentary constituency in Madhya Pradesh, India, used as a specific example for beneficiary coverage under PMGKAY.
Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY): A scheme to provide highly subsidized food grains to the poorest families.
Priority Households (PHH): Households identified as priority beneficiaries under the National Food Security Act, entitled to subsidized food grains.
COVID-19: The Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, which prompted the launch of PMGKAY to mitigate economic disruptions.
Nimuben Jayantibhai Bambhaniya: Minister of State in the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution.
Madhya Pradesh: The State where Shahdol Lok Sabha Constituency is located.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
DEPARTMENT OF FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2844
TO BE ANSWERED ON 6TH AUGUST, 2025
OBJECTIVES OF PM(,KAY
2844. SMT. HIMADRI SINGH:
SHRI CHINTAMANI MAHARAJ:
Will the Minister of CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC
DISTRIBUTION
be pleased to state:
(a): the details and the objectives of Pradhan IVlantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana
(PMGKAY);
(b): the number of beneficiaries/families covered under the said scheme at present
particularly in Shahdol Lok Sabha Constituency; and
(C): the quantity offoodgrains distributed by the States/UTs in the current year?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE FOR MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAiRS,
FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
(SHRIMATI NIMUBEN JAYANTIBHAI BAMBHANIYA)
(a): The Pradhan IVlantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) was launched with the
specific purpose of ameliorating the hardships faced by the poor and needy due to economic
disruptions caused by the COVID-19 outbreak in the country. In view of COVID crisis, the
allocation of free foodgrains, under PMGKAY was in addition to regular allocation for
around 80 crore beneficiaries. A total quantity of approx. 1118 LIVIT foodgrains was
allocated under PMGKAY (Phase I-VII) for the period of 28 months with a total planned
financial outlay was about Rs. 3.91 lakh crore.
In order to remove the financial burden of the poor beneficiaries and to ensure
nationwide uniformity and effective implementation of the programme for support of the
poor, the Central Government had decided to provide food grains free of cost to Antyodaya
Anna Yojana (AAY) households and Priority Households (PHH) beneficiaries, beginning
from lst January 2023 under the PMGKAY. The period for distribution of free of cost
foodgrains has been extended for five years from 1 st January, 2024.
(b): At present, against the intended coverage of 81.35 crore, the States/UTs have
identified 80.56 crore beneficiaries (including 8.28 lakh beneficiaries in the Shahdol Lok
Sabha Constituency).
(c): During the current financial year (Till 31.07.2025), 303.42 Lakh MT of foodgrains
has been distributed by all the States/UTs.
+: seesc +:+: