FM Sitharaman Allocates ₹2.27 Lakh Crore to PM-GKAY in Union Budget 2026-27

• Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has allocated ₹2.27 lakh crore (₹2,27,429 crore) to the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PM-GKAY) in the Union Budget 2026-27.
• PM-GKAY, launched in March 2020, was an emergency food security measure during the Covid-19 pandemic to support vulnerable households.
• The scheme provided 5 kg of free foodgrains per person per month, in addition to National Food Security Act (NFSA) entitlements, to nearly 80 crore beneficiaries.
• Government spending on PM-GKAY significantly increased food subsidy bills, reaching over ₹4.2 lakh crore in FY21.
• In January 2023, PM-GKAY was merged with NFSA, making free foodgrains a permanent entitlement, with budget allocations now reflecting NFSA costs.

Why It Matters: FM Sitharaman allocates ₹2.27 lakh crore to PM-GKAY, reinforcing government's commitment to food security.