Maharashtra Announces Free Foodgrains In 265 Drought-Hit Talukas, Extends Ration Benefits To Needy Families

Maharashtra Announces Free Foodgrains In 265 Drought-Affected Talukas, Extends Ration Support To Needy Families And Migrants

The state government has directed officials to ensure timely foodgrain distribution in 265 talukas affected by deficient kharif rainfall in 2026. Eligible families outside existing food security schemes may also receive coverage, while migrant workers can access their ration entitlements through the One Nation One Ration Card system.

Mumbai: The Maharashtra government has instructed officials to ensure a steady supply of free foodgrains to eligible beneficiaries across 265 talukas identified as drought-affected under Trigger-1 for the 2026 kharif season. The decision follows inadequate rainfall recorded between June and September.

In a special government resolution issued on Wednesday, the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection Department directed the administration to ensure that farmers, agricultural labourers and other eligible households in the affected regions can access essential food supplies without unnecessary delays.

Government Extends Free Ration Assistance To Eligible Residents

As part of the measures under the National Food Security Act, beneficiaries who meet the eligibility requirements in the affected talukas will receive foodgrains at no cost. The state has also decided to facilitate the inclusion of economically vulnerable individuals who are not currently covered by existing food security programmes.

Under the prescribed guidelines, residents facing food shortages in the 265 drought-affected talukas can approach the concerned authorities to seek assistance. Eligible applicants may be covered under either the Antyodaya Anna Yojana or the Priority Household category, depending on their income and fulfilment of the applicable criteria.

Aadhaar linkage for every member recorded on the household's ration card will be compulsory to access these benefits. The administration has been directed to ensure that eligible applicants are guided through the process in accordance with the established rules.

Migrant Families Can Access Rations Through One Nation One Ration Card

Recognising that drought conditions may force residents to travel elsewhere for employment or access to water, the state government has emphasised the need to make ration portability facilities fully operational.

Under the One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC) scheme, eligible migrant workers and their families can collect their allocated foodgrains from a fair price shop of their choice, rather than being restricted to the shop linked to their home village.

Transactions will be facilitated through the Aadhaar-enabled Public Distribution System (AePDS) and electronic point-of-sale (e-PoS) devices. Officials responsible for foodgrain distribution have been instructed to monitor implementation and ensure that migration does not prevent eligible households from receiving their entitled supplies.

Action Against Hoarding And Black-Marketing

The government has also stressed the importance of effective monitoring of the public distribution system in drought-affected areas. Officials are expected to maintain regular oversight of foodgrain supplies and distribution to prevent hoarding, diversion and black-marketing.

The measures aim to strengthen food security for vulnerable households during the ongoing drought-related situation and ensure that eligible residents, including migrant families, can access their prescribed ration benefits without disruption.