Attention Ration Card Holders: Government Makes Major Decision Regarding Rice; Here’s What Has Changed Under PMGKAY
Ration Card: The Central Government has decided to improve the quality of rice distributed under the Public Distribution System (PDS). There will now be fewer broken grains in the ration, ensuring 80 crore beneficiaries receive superior quality grain.
PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana: If you avail benefits from the government ration scheme, this news is crucial for you. The Central Government has decided to enhance the quality of rice provided to ration card holders.
Going forward, the quantity of broken grains in rice distributed via the PDS will be reduced, ensuring people receive better quality grain. This decision aims to provide superior rations to approximately 80 crore beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY).
What changes have been made to the rice quality?
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi announced on his official social media platform, X, that the Union Cabinet has approved changes to the quality standards of ration rice. The limit for broken grains in raw rice has been reduced from 25% to 10%. Similarly, for parboiled rice, the limit has been lowered from 16% to just 5%. The government states that this is the first major revision to ration rice quality norms in nearly 30 years.
➡️ Government approves supply of improved-quality rice under #PMGKAY
— PIB India (@PIB_India) July 2, 2026
➡️ Over 80 crore beneficiaries to receive better-quality rice
➡️ Broken grain content reduced to 10% in raw rice and 5% in parboiled rice; phased rollout to begin from KMS 2027–28
➡️ Reform to enhance food…
No change in ration quantity
The government has clarified that this decision under PMGKAY will not alter the quantity of rations; eligible families will continue to receive the prescribed amount of free grain as before, but the quality will be significantly better.
Under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), every eligible individual receives 5 kg of free grain monthly. Meanwhile, beneficiary families under the Antyodaya Anna Yojana will continue to receive 35 kg of grain per month. According to Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Pralhad Joshi, the objective of this decision is solely to provide better quality grain to the people.
