Overview
Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) was launched in 2020 as part of the relief package during the COVID-19 pandemic to provide free foodgrains to the poor and vulnerable sections. Under the scheme, beneficiaries covered under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) are provided additional/free foodgrains (rice or wheat) over and above their normal entitlements. The scheme was extended several times and later integrated to provide free foodgrains to NFSA beneficiaries. It is implemented by the Department of Food and Public Distribution under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, and is one of the world’s largest food-security programmes.
Key Features & Objectives
- Provides free foodgrains (rice/wheat) to NFSA beneficiaries.
- Launched as part of the COVID-19 relief package in 2020.
- Covers a very large number of beneficiaries through the PDS network.
- Aims to ensure food security for the poor and vulnerable.
- Implemented via the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS).
Key Facts at a Glance
★ Exam Focus: Remember PMGKAY (2020) provides free foodgrains to NFSA beneficiaries via the PDS, under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & PD.