Free foodgrains to about 81.35 crore NFSA beneficiaries: 35 kg per Antyodaya family and 5 kg per Priority Household member every month, from 2024 to 2028.
Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution (Department of Food and Public Distribution)
💰 Benefit: Free foodgrains: 35 kg per AAY household per month; 5 kg per Priority Household member per month (1 Jan 2024 to 31 Dec 2028)
Always verify eligibility on the official website before applying. Scheme rules may change. Facts last checked against the official source on 15 October 2026.
Families with an NFSA ration card in either the Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) or Priority Household (PHH) category. About 81.35 crore people are covered.
An AAY family gets 35 kg of foodgrains per month. Priority Household members get 5 kg per person per month. Both are completely free.
There is no age limit and no central income limit. Your household must be in the NFSA AAY or PHH list, which each state prepares using its own criteria.
No. Existing NFSA ration card holders are covered automatically. If you do not have an NFSA card, apply for one through your state food department.
The Cabinet extended free foodgrains for five years from 1 January 2024, i.e. up to December 2028.
Call the toll-free food helpline 1967, which is listed by the Department of Food and Public Distribution.