The Department of Food and Public Distribution released the draft National Food Security (Amendment) Bill, 2026 on Wednesday, inviting suggestions from stakeholders until July 13. The proposed amendment aims to address inequities in the Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) by shifting from a fixed household entitlement to a per-person allocation of 7 kg of food grains per month, capped at 35 kg per household.
Key Changes in the Amendment
Under the current National Food Security Act, 2013, AAY households—considered the poorest of the poor—are entitled to 35 kg of food grain per family per month, while 'priority households' receive 5 kg per person per month. The ministry noted that the existing household-based entitlement creates significant disparities: smaller households receive a higher per-capita entitlement, while larger households get less, potentially below the priority household entitlement.
According to the ministry, the amendment is designed to remove intra-category inequities, rationalize food grain allocation, and better align entitlements with nutritional requirements. The draft Bill proposes a structural shift to per-person allocation, ensuring fairer distribution regardless of family size.
Public Consultation and Opposition
The government has invited comments and feedback from the public as part of the consultation exercise. A statement said, "In view thereof, the National Food Security (Amendment) Bill, 2026 has been prepared. We invite comments/feedback from the public as part of the public consultation exercise on the draft amendments. Comments on the draft Bill may be sent by July 13."
However, the move faces opposition from state governments, advocacy groups, and the public due to concerns over unequal distribution. Civil society organizations like the Right to Food Campaign have criticized the broader push towards restrictive identity recognition, such as mandatory Aadhaar linkage and targeted databases. They argue that reliance on biometric proof and databases to delete 'ineligible' beneficiaries often leads to wrongful exclusion of vulnerable populations from welfare benefits.
Impact on Households
If implemented, the proposal is expected to improve transparency and fairness in the ration distribution system. Large and needy families, in particular, may benefit because entitlements would be based on family size rather than a fixed household allocation. The per-person allocation of 7 kg per month, capped at 35 kg per household, aims to ensure that food grains are distributed more equitably.
