Annapurna Yojana

Annapurna Yojana is a central government scheme that provides free food grain to senior citizens who are above 65 years of age, indigent (destitute), and not covered under the National Old Age Pension Scheme (NOAPS). Under the scheme, eligible beneficiaries receive 10 kg of food grain (rice or wheat) per person per month at no cost.

What Is Annapurna Yojana?

Launched in 2000, Annapurna Yojana addresses the food security needs of the most marginalised senior citizens who have no regular income and no family support. These are individuals who are old, alone, and unable to support themselves.

The scheme is implemented through the state governments and union territories. Beneficiaries receive food grain through the Public Distribution System (PDS) using ration cards issued specifically under this scheme.

Eligibility Criteria

– Aged 65 years or above
– Indigent (destitute) – no regular income from any source
– Not a beneficiary of NOAPS or any other old-age pension scheme
– Should not be able to sustain themselves through agriculture, employment, or family support

What Is Provided?

– 10 kg of food grain per month per beneficiary
– Provided free of cost (no payment required)
– Grain is wheat or rice depending on the beneficiary’s region and preference
– Grain is allocated from the National Food Security stockpile

How to Apply

Eligible senior citizens must apply to the local district collectorate or block office. A social welfare officer verifies the application and eligibility. Once approved, the beneficiary receives a dedicated ration card for Annapurna scheme grain entitlement.

Annapurna vs National Old Age Pension Scheme

| Feature | Annapurna Yojana | NOAPS |
|———|—————–|——-|
| Benefit type | Free food grain | Monthly cash pension |
| Quantity | 10 kg grain per month | Rs 200 to Rs 500 per month |
| Overlap | Beneficiaries not under NOAPS | All eligible senior poor |
| Coverage | Smaller, targeted | Wider |

Practical Example

Govindamma, aged 72, lives alone in a village in Karnataka. Her children live in a city and provide minimal support. She has no land or pension. She is not registered under NOAPS. She applies under Annapurna Yojana. After verification, she receives 10 kg of rice every month free of cost through the PDS. This ensures she has enough food even in months when family support is absent.

Key Takeaways

– Annapurna Yojana provides 10 kg of free food grain per month to destitute senior citizens aged 65+
– Targets those not covered under any other old-age pension scheme
– Grain is provided through the Public Distribution System using a dedicated ration card
– Addresses extreme food insecurity among the elderly who have no income or family support
– Applications are processed through local district or block offices after social welfare verification