Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (free ration)
PHH card5 kg grain per person per month, free
AAY card35 kg per family per month, free
PeriodExtended to December 2028
Helpline1967
โ ๏ธ The scheme period and quantity depend on Central Government decisions. Confirm your state's position with nfsa.gov.in or the ration shop.
What is the scheme?
Under PMGKAY, ration card holders covered by the National Food Security Act (NFSA) get rice/wheat free every month. The benefit depends on the ration card category: Priority Household (PHH) and Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) card holders are eligible.
Key benefits
- PHH card: 5 kg rice/wheat per person per month, free
- AAY card: 35 kg per family per month, free, regardless of family size
- Distribution through the ration shop (fair price shop)
Eligibility โ who can apply
- Only PHH and AAY ration card holders; eligibility is set by ration card category under NFSA
- Generally BPL families, landless labourers, marginal farmers, rural artisans, slum dwellers and some widows/disabled/senior citizens/primitive tribes may be included
Who is not eligible / things to note
- APL ration card holders are not included in this free ration scheme
Documents required
- Aadhaar of all members (to make/add to a ration card)
- Address proof
- Income certificate (from Tehsildar/SDM, as per state rules)
- Passport photo and mobile number
How to apply (step by step)
- Apply for a ration card on your state food department portal or at the nearest CSC (each state's process differs)
- On nfsa.gov.in check your entitlement under 'Know Your Entitlement' and Aadhaar-link status
- Find your ration shop on annavitran.nic.in or the 'Mera Ration' app
- For complaints call the National Food Security helpline 1967
๐ National Food Security helpline: 1967
Frequently asked questions
Who gets free ration?
Those with a PHH or AAY ration card under NFSA. APL card holders do not get this scheme.
What if I get less ration?
First check your entitlement on nfsa.gov.in, then complain on helpline 1967 or at your district supply office.
Where is a ration card made?
On the state's Food & Supplies department portal or at a CSC. Each state's process differs.
Beware: Do not pay any agent or website in the name of applying for a government scheme. Applying on the official portal is generally free. Do not share OTP, PIN or confidential bank details with anyone.