The Public Distribution System (PDS) has distributed approximately 1.22 crore metric tons (MT) of free food grains across the state since the first wave of COVID-19 pandemic in April 2020.

Uttar Pradesh has distributed around 98.53 lakh MT of free food grains under PMGKAY and   23.39 lakh MT of free ration has been distributed separately by the government, which is over and above the ration being distributed under PMGKAY. The total distribution amounts to around 1.22 crore MT.

In order to help the migrant workers, poor and underprivileged sections of society to tide over hardships caused by the pandemic, the state government has been 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. As per the Central government directives, the distribution was carried out entirely through PoS devices with biometric Aadhaar and dealer authentication in a transparent manner.

During 2020, of the total allocation of 58.02 lakh MT food grains under PMGKAY-2020 (April-November 2020), approximately 56.21 lakh MT food grains (i.e. around 96.87 per cent) were distributed in the state. In 2021 (PMGKAY-III), out of a total allocation of around 14.71 lakh MT food grains (May -June 2021) approximately 14,13,984.816 MT (i.e. around 96.07 per cent) food grains have been distributed by the state government.

While during PMGKAY-IV so far, against the allocation of 29,43,719.040 MT of grains around 28,18,527.091 MT has been given which is around 95.75 per cent. The distribution will continue till November.

Along with PMGKAY, the UP government is also distributing free ration and giving double relief to the people. The distribution by the state continued from April to June in 2020, while in 2021, the state government made the distribution for the months of June, July, and August. Uttar Pradesh has more than 1,30,07,969 beneficiaries under the Antyodaya Anna Yojana and over 13,41,77, 983 under priority household cardholders. The state has over 80,000 fair-price shops.

The distribution for October under PMGKAY commenced on October 19 and till October 26 , more than 2.88 crore ration cards received 6,76,398.649 MT of ration which comes around 80.04 per cent of the total ration cards and 82.38 per cent of total allotment