The Central Government has officially extended the free ration scheme for over 64 lakh beneficiaries in Delhi until December 2028. This extension under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) ensures that eligible families continue to receive essential food grains without any cost for the next five years. The decision aims to provide long-term food security to low-income households across the national capital.
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How much ration will beneficiaries receive?
The distribution of food grains is categorized based on the type of ration card held by the family. More than 64.93 lakh people across 14.28 lakh households in Delhi are currently covered under this scheme. The government has also revised the annual income limit for ration card applications to ₹1.2 lakh to include more families in need.
- PHH Beneficiaries: People under the Priority Household category receive 4 kg of wheat and 1 kg of rice per unit.
- AAY Cardholders: Antyodaya Anna Yojana families get 28 kg of wheat and 7 kg of rice per card.
- Free Sugar: AAY cardholders are also entitled to 1 kg of free sugar per month until March 2027.
Key details of the PMGKAY extension in Delhi
The Central Government is bearing the entire financial burden for this extension, which is estimated to cost around ₹11.8 lakh crore nationwide. In Delhi, the Food Corporation of India (FCI) manages the supply through six major godowns, ensuring the grains reach the Fair Price Shops for distribution. The entire process is designed to be completely free of cost for the end user.
| Category | Beneficiary Count | Entitlement |
|---|---|---|
| PHH Category | 62,46,786 | 5 kg grains per unit |
| AAY Category | 2,46,815 | 35 kg grains per card |
| Income Limit | ₹1.2 Lakh Yearly | New Eligibility Rule |
| Scheme Duration | Until Dec 2028 | 5 Year Extension |
Local authorities are working to streamline the distribution system to prevent leakages and ensure that only genuine beneficiaries receive the benefits. The Delhi State Civil Supplies Corporation is also involved in the procurement of sugar to maintain a steady supply for the poorest families under the AAY category.
