The Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY), which provides affordable food grains to millions of poor families across the country, is likely to undergo a major overhaul. The central government is now considering changing the food grain entitlement under this scheme from a family-based system to an individual-based system. If this proposal is implemented, larger families will benefit more than before. The Department of Food and Public Distribution has proposed changes to the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013. The government has sought suggestions and objections from the public by July 13 on the “National Food Security (Amendment) Bill, 2026” prepared for this purpose.

What is the current system?

Under the current rules, the poorest families receive 35 kg of grain per month under the Antyodaya Anna Yojana. This ratio remains the same regardless of the number of family members. Priority families receive 5 kg of grain per person per month. Consequently, larger AAY families often receive less grain per member, despite the scheme's aim to provide greater protection to the most vulnerable.

What will change in the new proposal?
The government has proposed that AAY beneficiaries will receive 7 kg of grain per person per month. However, the maximum limit will remain at 35 kg per family. For example, a family of two will receive 14 kg of grain, while families with five or more members will continue to receive up to 35 kg. This is being done to ensure a more balanced and equitable distribution of grain based on family size.

Large families will directly benefit.
According to experts, under the current system, large families receive very little benefit. Once the new proposal is implemented, grain will be distributed based on the number of family members, providing better food security to needy families.

What is the government's objective?
The central government states that this reform is part of a larger policy to strengthen food and nutrition security under the "Human Life Cycle Approach." According to the basic objective of the National Food Security Act, it aims to provide good quality food to the poor and needy. Currently, rice and wheat are provided free of cost to both the Antyodaya Anna Yojana and priority households. Once implemented, the changes will be considered a major step towards making the food distribution system more equitable and relevant.

PC: India TV Hindi