In order to mitigate the woes of the economically weaker sections of society, the Uttar Pradesh government has so far distributed approximately one crore metric tons of free food grains across the state since the first wave of COVID-19 pandemic since April, 2020.

As per governments directives, the distribution was carried out entirely through PoS devices with biometric Aadhaar and dealer authentication in a transparent manner.

The distributed around 76,39,378 MT of free food grains under PMGKAY, while approximately 23,60 lakh MT of free ration was separately distributed by the government, which was in addition to the ration being distributed under PMGKAY. The total distribution amounts to 100 lakh or I crore MT in the state.

In order to help the migrants, poor and under-privileged sections to tide over the hardship of pandemic, the government is providing free 5 kg food grains to over 15 crore beneficiaries of the state. Under the scheme, each beneficiary receives 3 kg wheat and 2 kg rice.

During the last fiscal 2020-21, out of a total allocation of 58, 1 lakh MT food grains under PMGKAY-2020 (April-November 2020), approx 56,21 lakh MT or around 96.87 per cent, has been distributed by the state.

In 2021 (PMGKAY III) so far, out of a total allocation of around 22,77 lakh MT food grains (May -July 2021) approximately 20,18 lakh MT, which is 91.40 per cent, food grains have been distributed by the government.

PMGKAY was first introduced in 2020 for eight months to provide relief to around 15 crore beneficiaries covered under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) from Covid-induced economic hardships. There are more than 1.30 crore units of beneficiaries under the Antyodaya Anna Yojana and over 13, 41 crore units under Priority Household card holders.