Govt invites public feedback on draft National Food Security law amendment meant to ensure fairer distribution
New Delhi, July 8
The Union government has unveiled the draft National Food Security Bill, 2026, inviting public comments as part of its consultation process to address long-standing inequities in foodgrain entitlements under the National Food Security Act, 2013, particularly for households covered under the Antyodaya Anna Yojana.
Under the NFSA, while AAY households constitute the poorest of the poor and are legally entitled to receive 35 kg of foodgrains per family per month, priority households are currently entitled to 5 kg of foodgrains per person per month.
This household-based entitlement results in inequities depending upon the size of the household, where smaller households receive a higher per-capita entitlement. Larger households, meanwhile, receive a lower per-capita entitlement, which may fall below the entitlement available to priority households.
This imbalance has raised concerns about fairness and nutritional adequacy, prompting calls for reform. The government now aims to remove intra-category inequities, provide for more rational food grain allocation and better align entitlements with nutritional requirements.
The draft amendment seeks to rationalise entitlements by shifting from a purely household-based allocation to a hybrid model that balances per-person and household limits.
Among the key changes included are per-person entitlements in an AAY household, where every individual will be entitled to 7 kg of foodgrains per month, at prices as specified. It is also provided that AAY households will be entitled to a maximum of 35 kg of foodgrains per household per month at the prices specified, the government document added.
This proposed amendment aims to align foodgrain distribution more closely with nutritional requirements while preventing excessive allocations to smaller households.
The Department of Food and Public Distribution document emphasised that the amendment is designed to remove intra-category inequities by ensuring fairer per-capita distribution. Additionally, it provides rational foodgrain allocation that better reflects household size and nutritional needs.
The amendments would further strengthen food security across the lifecycle, ensuring dignity and adequacy for all beneficiaries.
The draft bill is now open for public feedback, underscoring its commitment to participatory policymaking. Citizens, experts, stakeholders, and the general public can submit comments as part of the consultation exercise on the draft amendments.
Feedback can be sent by email to suneel.sachdeva@nic.in and saurabhomar.edu@gov.in by July 13.
If enacted, the amendment could have far-reaching consequences, where larger families under AAY would benefit from increased per-person entitlements, reducing disparities with priority households. For the administration, it may require adjustments in procurement, distribution, and monitoring systems to ensure smooth implementation.
The move also reflects a broader shift toward equity-focused welfare measures, balancing household protection with individual nutritional rights. The draft bill represents a significant step in India's ongoing effort to refine its food security framework. By addressing the inequities in AAY entitlements, the government aims to ensure that the poorest families receive fair and adequate support, regardless of household size.
— IANS
Reader Comments
This is a sensible reform! AAY households are the poorest—they deserve nutritionally adequate rations. But will the 35 kg cap hurt really large families? A family of 6 or 7 would still get less than 5-6 kg per person. Need to see the fine print. Also, last date is July 13th—very tight window for feedback.
Interesting to see India move from household-based to per-person entitlements. We did something similar in food stamps in the US. The key challenge is verification of household size to prevent fraud. The hybrid model seems balanced, but monitoring will be crucial. Hope it works for the vulnerable.
My family of 5 under AAY used to get 35 kg total, which was 7 kg per person—same as what they're proposing. But for my cousin's family of 4, they got 35 kg (8.75 kg per person). The new system would give them 28 kg, which reduces their surplus. Fair, but change is always uncomfortable for some. Let's trust the process.
Ek baat samajh nahi aayi—if AAY families are the poorest, why cap at 35 kg? A family of 7 would get only 5 kg per person. That's less than the 7 kg entitlement for priority households per person. Still an imbalance! 🤔 Aur yeh prices 'as specified'—kitne honge? Transparency chahiye.
Finally addressing the per capita inequity! I've seen families in rural Bihar where AAY households with 8 members
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