14 Crore People Get Benefits Of PMGKAY Over 4 Years In Gujarat
Gujarat has witnessed significant outreach of the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY), the central government’s key initiative aimed at ensuring food security, with approximately 14 crore individuals benefiting from the program over the past four years. This was disclosed by Union Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution Nimuben Bambhaniya in the Rajya Sabha on March 25, 2025. The minister was responding to a question raised by Rajya Sabha MP Parimal Nathwani.
According to the information provided by the minister, the number of people in Gujarat receiving benefits under PMGKAY has steadily increased, from 3.45 crore in fiscal year 2021-22 to 3.68 crore in fiscal year 2024-25 (as of February 28, 2025). Furthermore, the central government has reimbursed the state of Gujarat with ₹1,329 crore in food subsidies over the last three fiscal years, starting from 2021-22. Additionally, the Centre has allocated ₹694 crore to Gujarat during the same period to assist state agencies in covering expenses related to the movement and handling of food grains within the state, as well as the margins provided to fair price shop dealers under the PMGKAY.
The minister’s statement also highlighted the substantial financial commitment of the central government towards the PMGKAY, with a total allocation of ₹9,69,614.09 crore over the past four years. Of this amount, ₹67,53,77.7 crore has been released to the Food Corporation of India (FCI), and ₹2,94,236.39 crore has been disbursed to states participating in the Decentralized Procurement system.
Rajya Sabha MP Parimal Nathwani had sought details on the number of beneficiaries under the PMGKAY and the funds allocated for both the National Food Security Act (NFSA) and the Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) across the country in the last three years. In her response, the minister clarified that the PMGKAY aims to cover up to 75% of the rural population and 50% of the urban population nationwide, based on the 2011 Census figures, which translates to approximately 81.35 crore people who are eligible to receive free food grains. Currently, around 80.56 crore beneficiaries are covered under the Act.
