Three-Month Advance Rice Distribution Begins in Assam Under PMGKAY

Government Ensures Seamless Delivery Amid Monsoon & National Unrest

Guwahati/Silchar, May 16, 2025: In light of the prevailing war-like global atmosphere and Assam’s vulnerability to monsoon disruptions, the Government of India has announced a critical welfare move to ensure uninterrupted food security for the poor. Under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY), advance allocation and distribution of rice for the months of June, July, and August 2025 has commenced across the state. This step aims to safeguard National Food Security Act (NFSA) beneficiaries ahead of potential logistical constraints.

A high-level video conference held on May 13, 2025, chaired by Shri Anand Kumar Das, ACS, Commissioner of Food, Public Distribution, Consumer Affairs & Legal Metrology (FPDC&LM), Assam, laid out a detailed roadmap for timely implementation of the scheme. District and sub-divisional officials, along with FPDC&CA officers, participated in the meeting to streamline the advance rice distribution strategy.

The first installment for June was released on May 15, followed by July’s allocation on May 16, and August’s allocation is set to be completed by May 19. The Commissioner instructed that all lifting of foodgrain for three months must be completed by May 31, 2025. The state will observe ‘Anna Seva Days’ from June 1 to June 10, during which the full quantity of rice for all three months will be distributed in one go.

To ensure proper authentication and prevent misuse, beneficiaries will be required to undergo three separate biometric (fingerprint) verifications through ePoS machines during their single visit to collect their entitlements. This triple-verification mechanism is part of a broader strategy to enhance transparency and accountability in the Public Distribution System (PDS).

Addressing logistical challenges from previous months, the Commissioner directed that any undelivered rice from May 2025 will be adjusted in June’s allocation, while pending quantities for July and August will be balanced in September 2025. This flexible and responsive planning is aimed at maintaining inventory integrity without compromising public service.

In a public communication, Shri Gunjan Kumar Bora, State Spokesperson of the All Assam Fair Price Shop Dealers’ Association, informed that the commission payments for May are being processed for early release. He urged FPS dealers to uphold high standards of delivery and ensure that 100% online distribution is achieved for the three-month cycle.

The Commissioner has also issued strict directives to district FPPC managers and local officials to stay aligned with real-time data reporting, FPS stock balances, and allocation deadlines. As per the official schedule:

Additionally, the Commissioner emphasized the need for wide-scale public awareness campaigns to ensure no beneficiary is left behind. Clear instructions have been issued to sensitise FPS dealers regarding biometric verification protocols and timely delivery. The entire state machinery has been mobilized to prevent bottlenecks and ensure smooth functioning during the ‘Anna Seva’ period.

In conclusion, this forward-looking initiative by the Government of India and the Assam state administration demonstrates a robust commitment to food security, welfare, and efficient governance. By preemptively addressing the dual challenges of geopolitical instability and seasonal disruption, the administration is setting a model of resilience. The advance distribution of rice under PMGKAY not only supports millions of households but also reinforces the principle that essential welfare must not wait for crises to strike.

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