Gandhinagar (Gujarat) [India], March 5: Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the Central Government has implemented several welfare initiatives aimed at uplifting the underprivileged sections of society. One of the most prominent initiatives, the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY), launched five years ago, continues to be a lifeline for Antyoday families, according to the Gujarat Chief Minister’s office.
The Gujarat government, under the guidance of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, has ensured the effective execution of PMGKAY in the state. In 2024 alone, Gujarat distributed 21.91 lakh metric tons of food grains under this scheme, with a total value of approximately Rs 7,529 crore.
Launched during the hardships of the COVID-19 pandemic, the PMGKAY was designed to provide free food grains to vulnerable families. The scheme has been extended until December 2028 to continue its support, ensuring that poor families face less financial burden.
Under PMGKAY, Antyoday families, covered under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) of 2013, receive 35 kilograms of food grains per month. Priority households are allotted 5 kilograms of food grains per person every month.
In Gujarat, a total of 3.72 crore beneficiaries from over 76.6 lakh families benefit from this program. The distribution of 21.91 lakh metric tons of food grains in 2024 was a key achievement, with the total amount reaching Rs 7,529 crore. This program covers more than 36.40 lakh beneficiaries under the Antyodaya Anna Yojana and over 3.30 crore beneficiaries from priority households.
In the Gujarat Budget for 2025-26, a significant Rs 2,712 crore has been allocated to the Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs Department. This includes Rs 767 crore for the distribution of tur dal and gram to NFSA ration card holders, ensuring access to protein-rich foods, Rs 675 crore for providing food grains to eligible beneficiaries under NFSA, and Rs 160 crore for supplying edible oil at subsidized rates to NFSA families twice a year.
Additionally, Rs 37 crore has been allocated as an incentive bonus of Rs 300 per quintal to promote the cultivation and consumption of Shri Anna (Millets), such as Bajra, Jowar, and Ragi, aligning with the goal of boosting nutrition and food security.
Tags: Gujarat Government, PMGKAY, Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, Bhupendra Patel, Food Security, Welfare Schemes, National Food Security Act, Budget 2025-26, Antyoday Families