NEW DELHI, JUNE 25: The Centre has proposed revising foodgrain entitlements under the Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY), shifting from the current fixed allocation of 35 kg per household per month to a per-person entitlement of 7 kg, subject to a maximum limit of 35 kg per family.
The Department of Food and Public Distribution has proposed the change through an amendment to the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013. Public comments on the proposed National Food Security (Amendment) Bill, 2026, have been invited until July 13.
At present, households covered under AAY, which targets the poorest sections of society, receive a fixed 35 kg of foodgrains every month regardless of family size. In contrast, beneficiaries under the Priority Household category receive 5 kg per person per month.
According to the government, the existing household-based system creates disparities, as larger AAY families often receive less foodgrain per member than those covered under the Priority Household category.
Under the proposed amendment, foodgrain allocation would be linked to the number of family members. A two-member AAY household would receive 14 kg per month, while families with five or more members would continue to receive the maximum entitlement of 35 kg.
The government said the proposed change aims to make foodgrain distribution more equitable and strengthen food and nutritional security by ensuring benefits are aligned with household size.
The amendment is part of the government’s broader effort to improve welfare delivery through a human life-cycle approach and further the objectives of the National Food Security Act, which seeks to provide access to adequate and affordable food for vulnerable populations.
Rice and wheat will continue to be distributed free of cost to eligible beneficiaries under both the Priority Household and Antyodaya Anna Yojana categories.
