Fairer share? Centre mulls revising AAY ration quotas for yellow card holders by family size

Alappuzha: The central government is considering revising the distribution of rations to yellow card holders under the Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) scheme, linking the entitlement to the number of family members. Reports indicate that the Union Food Ministry is planning to provide 7.5 kilograms of foodgrain per month to each member listed on the card. The move aims to prevent misuse and ensure a fairer share for deserving beneficiaries.

At present, yellow card holders receive 35 kilograms of foodgrain free of cost each month, regardless of family size. This means even single-member households are entitled to the full quota. The Centre believes that linking ration entitlement to family size will better support larger families.

Currently, pink (PHH) and blue (NPS) cardholders receive rations based on the number of household members. The proposed change would bring the yellow card category under the same model.

Under the National Food Security Act, AAY households are entitled to 35 kilograms of foodgrain per month. Implementing a per-member distribution system would require an amendment to the law.

The Centre is dissatisfied with the one-person quota

The Union Food Ministry had earlier expressed dissatisfaction with Kerala for providing 35 kilograms of foodgrain to single-member yellow card households. In Kerala, only one such single-member family exists among more than 5 lakh 90 thousand yellow card holders. Altogether, 5,90,517 yellow cards cover 19,31,658 individuals, an average of 3.2 members per card.

The Centre had proposed including larger families meeting the AAY criteria, but identifying eligible beneficiaries has proved difficult in Kerala and other states.

State opposes move

“If there is only one person, a new yellow card will not be issued. If grain is distributed based on the number of members, the yellow card holders in Kerala will face a huge loss. The state government does not agree with it,” said Food Minister GR Anil.

Ration distribution update

Distribution of October rations has been extended until Saturday, November 1. Ration shops will remain closed on Monday, and distribution for November will begin on Tuesday.