TNI Bureau: Responding to Rajya Sabha Question raised by Dilip Kumar Ray, Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Nimuben Jayantibhai Bambhaniya, informed the House that the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) continues to provide free foodgrains to eligible beneficiaries across the country.

The Minister stated that the scheme, launched in April 2020 to mitigate the hardships caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, initially covered nearly 80 crore beneficiaries and remains one of the world’s largest food security programmes.

The Minister further informed the House that during the financial year 2025–26, the Central Government released ₹2,27,739.96 crore as food subsidy to the Food Corporation of India (FCI) and Decentralised Procurement (DCP) States under PMGKAY. For 2026–27, a budgetary allocation of ₹2,27,429 crore has been made for continued implementation of the scheme.

Sharing the State-wise details, the Minister informed that Odisha has 3,21,93,059 beneficiaries covered under PMGKAY as on 8 July 2026, reaffirming the scheme’s significant role in ensuring food security for economically vulnerable families in the State.

The State also receives a substantial monthly allocation of foodgrains under the scheme. As per the information furnished in Parliament, Odisha is allocated 187.652 thousand tonnes of rice every month. No wheat and coarse grains are presently allocated to the State under PMGKAY.
The Minister further stated that under PMGKAY, Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) households receive 35 kg of foodgrains per household per month, while Priority Household (PHH) beneficiaries receive 5 kg of foodgrains per person per month, free of cost, ensuring uninterrupted food security for eligible families across the country.

The parliamentary reply highlights the Government of India’s continued commitment to ensuring food security for vulnerable households through PMGKAY. With 3,21,93,059 beneficiaries covered in Odisha and a monthly allocation of 187.652 thousand tonnes of rice, the scheme continues to play a crucial role in strengthening food security and supporting eligible families across the State.