SRINAGAR: The Union Government has circulated the draft National Food Security (Amendment) Bill, 2026 for pre-legislative consultation, proposing to change the monthly foodgrain entitlement for Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) households from the existing 35 kg per household to 7 kg per person, subject to a maximum of 35 kg per household per month.
The proposal was disclosed by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution in a written reply to Rajya Sabha Unstarred Question No. 1007, answered on July 28, 2026.
According to the Ministry, the proposed amendment is aimed at ensuring a more equitable distribution of foodgrains, bringing greater uniformity in entitlements and addressing variations arising from the existing household-based system. It also seeks to align the allocation framework with the objectives of the National Food Security Act, 2013.
The government said the draft legislation had been circulated to State Governments as part of the pre-legislative consultation process, inviting their comments and suggestions.
Responding to questions on the impact of the proposed change and objections raised by States, Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Nimuben Jayantibhai Bambhaniya said the government was aware of the concerns raised by States and remained committed to consultation, dialogue and consensus-building.
The reply did not provide details of any State-wise impact assessment. It also did not state whether a separate assessment had been completed before the draft Bill was circulated or whether the proposed amendment would be withdrawn or altered in response to objections.
Under the proposal, an AAY household with five or more members would remain eligible for a maximum of 35 kg of foodgrains a month, while smaller households would receive entitlement based on the proposed per-person formula.
