Highlights

  • PMGKAY extended to provide free food grains for 81 crore people.
  • Scheme cost approx. ₹11.8 lakh crore, effective from January 2024.

Latest news

North hemisphere to witness partial solar eclipse: March 29, 2025

North hemisphere to witness partial solar eclipse: March 29, 2025

Over 50 crore devotees attend Maha Kumbh dip

Over 50 crore devotees attend Maha Kumbh dip

Kapil Dev raises concerns over player injuries amid Cricket demands

Kapil Dev raises concerns over player injuries amid Cricket demands

BCCI sets new luggage rules after excessive baggage on Australia tour

BCCI sets new luggage rules after excessive baggage on Australia tour

PM Modi and Elon Musk discuss space and tech in Washington

PM Modi and Elon Musk discuss space and tech in Washington

Valentine's day clashes: fringe groups disrupt celebrations in India

Valentine's day clashes: fringe groups disrupt celebrations in India

Eric Schmidt warns of AI misuse by rogue states posing global threat

Eric Schmidt warns of AI misuse by rogue states posing global threat

Ludhiana to undergo major transformation with Rs. 930 Crore infrastructure boost under CM Bhagwant Mann’s

Ludhiana to undergo major transformation with Rs. 930 Crore infrastructure boost under CM Bhagwant Mann’s

Union cabinet extends PMGKAY: Free ration scheme for 81 crore till 2028

Union Minister Anurag Thakur unveiled the proposal, highlighting its estimated ₹11.8 lakh crore financial impact on the exchequer.

Union cabinet extends PMGKAY: Free ration scheme for 81 crore till 2028

The Union Cabinet has given its nod to an extensive extension of the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY). This decision marks a significant move aimed at providing free food grains to approximately 81 crore impoverished individuals across the nation for an additional five years, extending the scheme until December 2028.

The proposal, announced by Union Minister Anurag Thakur following the Cabinet briefing, outlined the financial implications of approximately ₹11.8 lakh crore for the exchequer. This extended initiative will come into effect from January 1, 2024, with the Cabinet's unanimous agreement during their meeting held on November 28.

Minister Thakur assured that the government is well-prepared to handle any fiscal challenges arising from the extended duration of the scheme. Addressing concerns regarding inflated food subsidy bills, Thakur emphasized the government's assurance of sufficient funds, affirming that budget constraints would not impede the initiative.

The PMGKAY, initially introduced in April 2020 as a response to support the economically challenged during the COVID-19 pandemic, was later extended beyond its initial timeline. This scheme entails the allocation of 5 kilograms of food grains per month to families in need.

Last December, the government merged the PMGKAY, which distributed additional free food grains, with the National Food Security Act (NFSA). NFSA encompasses rural and urban populations, with coverage including the Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) and priority households, accounting for 75% and 50% respectively.


Also Watch: BSE listed companies' market capitalisation hits $4 trillion for the first time ever

ADVERTISEMENT

Up Next

Union cabinet extends PMGKAY: Free ration scheme for 81 crore till 2028

Union cabinet extends PMGKAY: Free ration scheme for 81 crore till 2028

Sensex, Nifty fall for 6th day dragged by FII outflows, trade war fears

Sensex, Nifty fall for 6th day dragged by FII outflows, trade war fears

Global stock market indices: How the world markets performed today - 12 February 2025

Global stock market indices: How the world markets performed today - 12 February 2025

Global stock market indices: How the world markets performed today - 11 February 2025

Global stock market indices: How the world markets performed today - 11 February 2025

Indian stock market sector-wise performance today - February 12, 2025

Indian stock market sector-wise performance today - February 12, 2025

Top 5 Nifty 50 gainers today – February 12, 2025: Biggest stock moves

Top 5 Nifty 50 gainers today – February 12, 2025: Biggest stock moves

ADVERTISEMENT

editorji-whatsApp

More videos

NSE Nifty 50: Top 5 stock losers of February 12, 2025

NSE Nifty 50: Top 5 stock losers of February 12, 2025

Sensex plunges 1,018 pts as US tariffs fan trade war fears; stocks down for 5th day

Sensex plunges 1,018 pts as US tariffs fan trade war fears; stocks down for 5th day

Indian stock market sector-wise performance today - February 11, 2025

Indian stock market sector-wise performance today - February 11, 2025

Top 5 Nifty 50 gainers today – February 11, 2025: Biggest stock moves

Top 5 Nifty 50 gainers today – February 11, 2025: Biggest stock moves

NSE Nifty 50: Top 5 stock losers of February 11, 2025

NSE Nifty 50: Top 5 stock losers of February 11, 2025

EU leaders vow 'firm' response to US tariffs

EU leaders vow 'firm' response to US tariffs

GST rates reduced over time, no increase on any item: Nirmala Sitharaman

GST rates reduced over time, no increase on any item: Nirmala Sitharaman

Gold surges Rs 2,430 to hit lifetime high of Rs 88,500 per 10g amid Trump's tariff threats

Gold surges Rs 2,430 to hit lifetime high of Rs 88,500 per 10g amid Trump's tariff threats

Global stock market indices: How the world markets performed today - 10 February 2025

Global stock market indices: How the world markets performed today - 10 February 2025

Indian stock market sector-wise performance today - February 10, 2025

Indian stock market sector-wise performance today - February 10, 2025

Editorji Technologies Pvt. Ltd. © 2022 All Rights Reserved.