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The Union Government has proposed an amendment to the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013, changing the foodgrain entitlement for Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) beneficiaries from the existing 35 kg per household per month to 7 kg per person per month, subject to a maximum of 35 kg per household. The proposal has been opposed by Tamil Nadu and Kerala, citing adverse implications for small and vulnerable households.

About the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013

The National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013 seeks to ensure food and nutritional security by providing subsidised foodgrains to eligible households through the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS). The Act covers nearly two-thirds of India's population, extending benefits to 75% of the rural population and 50% of the urban population.

Beneficiaries are classified into two categories:

• Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY): The poorest of the poor households, presently entitled to 35 kg of foodgrains per household per month.
• Priority Households (PHH): Each eligible individual receives 5 kg of foodgrains per month.

The Act provides foodgrains at highly subsidised prices—?3/kg for rice, ?2/kg for wheat and ?1/kg for coarse grains.

Beyond foodgrain distribution, NFSA also guarantees nutritional support for pregnant women, lactating mothers and children, including maternity benefits of not less than ?6,000, supplementary nutrition through Anganwadis, and mid-day meals for school children. It also mandates State Food Commissions, District Grievance Redressal Officers (DGROs) and Vigilance Committees to strengthen accountability and transparency.

What is the Proposed Amendment?

The proposed amendment relates to Section 3(1) of the NFSA governing foodgrain entitlement for AAY households.

Under the existing system, every AAY household receives a fixed allocation of 35 kg per month, irrespective of the number of family members.

The proposed amendment seeks to replace this with a per capita entitlement of 7 kg per person per month, while retaining an upper ceiling of 35 kg per household. Consequently, households with five or more members will continue receiving 35 kg, whereas households with fewer than five members will receive proportionately lower allocations.

Rationale Behind the Amendment

The Union Government argues that the present household-based allocation results in intra-category inequity. Small families receive a higher quantity of foodgrains per person compared to larger households, where the per capita entitlement may even fall below that available to Priority Household (PHH) beneficiaries.

The amendment therefore aims to ensure equitable per capita distribution, rationalise foodgrain allocation and align entitlements more closely with nutritional requirements.

However, the proposal does not address concerns relating to ineligible beneficiaries who continue to remain within the NFSA coverage.

Why are Tamil Nadu and Kerala Opposing the Proposal?

Tamil Nadu and Kerala contend that the proposed formula would significantly reduce foodgrain allocations for households with fewer than five members, which constitute the majority in these States due to the predominance of nuclear families.

Tamil Nadu estimates that its monthly AAY allocation could decline substantially because nearly 15.75 lakh of its 18.64 lakh AAY households have fewer than five members. Kerala similarly argues that AAY beneficiaries represent the most vulnerable sections of society and should continue receiving enhanced food security irrespective of family size.

The States also express concerns that beneficiaries may be compelled to purchase additional foodgrains from the open market, increasing their financial burden.

Another concern relates to regional disparities, as States with larger average household sizes could receive relatively higher foodgrain allocations, while several southern States with smaller family sizes may experience significant reductions.

Issues Involved

The proposal raises several policy concerns. While it seeks to improve per capita equity, it may weaken the social protection currently available to smaller but equally vulnerable households.

It also raises questions regarding cooperative federalism, as States argue that a uniform national formula fails to account for regional demographic differences.

From a food security perspective, lower allocations may adversely affect nutritional outcomes among the poorest households. Although the amendment could reduce the Union Government's food subsidy burden, it may simultaneously increase expenditure for economically weaker beneficiaries.

Way Forward

Any amendment to the NFSA should emerge from wider consultations with States, nutrition experts and civil society organisations. A balanced approach should reconcile equity, nutritional security, fiscal sustainability and cooperative federalism.

Alternative approaches, including guaranteeing a minimum household entitlement while ensuring fair per capita distribution, may better protect vulnerable families without undermining the objectives of the National Food Security Act.