Free Fortified Rice under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the continuation of the supply of free fortified rice under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) and other welfare schemes from July 2024 to December 2028.

Objective: The initiative aims to combat anaemia and micronutrient deficiencies across India. Coverage: Fortified rice will be supplied through the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS), Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), and the PM POSHAN scheme (formerly the Mid-Day Meal scheme).

Funding: The scheme will be fully funded by the Government of India as part of PMGKAY's food subsidy programme. 

Cost: The total cost of the fortified rice scheme over this period is projected to be ₹17,082 crore.

About the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana The Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) is a food security welfare scheme launched by the Government of India on March 26, 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Objective: To provide free food grains to the economically vulnerable sections of the society to ensure food security during the pandemic.

Beneficiaries: The scheme benefits approximately 81.35 crore people, including Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) households and Priority Households (PHH) beneficiaries.

Provisions: Each beneficiary receives 5 kg of rice or wheat per month, in addition to the subsidized ration provided under the National Food Security Act (NFSA).