Centre launches CBDC-based food subsidy transfer under PMGKAY in Chandigarh, Dadra & Nagar Haveli

August 15, 2026 12:47 PM

Centre launches CBDC-based food subsidy transfer under PMGKAY in Chandigarh, Dadra & Nagar Haveli

The Centre on Friday launched a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC)-based Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) of food subsidies under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) in Chandigarh and Dadra & Nagar Haveli, marking the first large-scale application of CBDC in a Central Government welfare programme. The initiative was inaugurated by Union Minister for Education, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, and New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi, along with Punjab Govern...

Government approves supply of better-quality rice under PMGKAY; over 80 crore beneficiaries to benefit

July 2, 2026 4:28 PM

Government approves supply of better-quality rice under PMGKAY; over 80 crore beneficiaries to benefit

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved a major reform to improve the quality of rice distributed under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) and other welfare schemes, paving the way for over 80 crore beneficiaries to receive rice with significantly lower broken grain content. The decision marks the first revision in nearly three decades to the quality specifications of rice supplied through the Public Distribution System (PDS). Under the new policy, the pe...

Year-Ender2025:India Strengthens Food Security and Farmer Welfare

January 1, 2026 4:19 PM

Year-Ender2025:India Strengthens Food Security and Farmer Welfare

As 2025 draws to a close, the Department of Food and Public Distribution has reinforced India's food security architecture through continued free grain distribution, robust procurement, digital transformation, and innovative supply chain efficiencies, ensuring that no vulnerable household goes hungry while supporting millions of farmers. PMGKAY: Shielding the Vulnerable with Free Grains The Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY), launched to mitigate COVID-induced hardships, continue...