Antyodaya Anna Yojana

Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) is a targeted food security programme for the poorest of the poor among India’s poor population. Launched in December 2000, it provides 35 kg of food grain per family per month at highly subsidised prices to the most food-insecure families, who may otherwise not get adequate food even through the general Public Distribution System.

What Is Antyodaya Anna Yojana?

AAY was launched by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution to address the food needs of the most destitute households. While the regular PDS served below poverty line (BPL) households, AAY created a special sub-category within BPL for those identified as the poorest.

The name “Antyodaya” is derived from the Gandhian concept of serving the “last person” in the social order first. The scheme prioritises those who are often missed by general welfare programmes.

Coverage and Entitlements

– Each AAY family receives 35 kg of food grain (wheat and rice in the ratio specified by the state) per month
– Prices under NFSA: Rs 2 per kg for wheat and Rs 3 per kg for rice
– Under PM-GKAY (currently operative): grain is provided free of cost

Who Is Identified as AAY Beneficiary?

State governments identify AAY households from within the existing BPL list. Priority is given to:

– Widows, terminally ill individuals, and disabled persons with no family support
– Aged individuals (60+) with no earning family members
– Landless labourers, marginal farmers, and rural artisans
– Primitive tribal groups
– Daily wagers in informal sectors

Ration Card Colour

In most states, AAY ration cards are distinctly coloured (often yellow) to differentiate them from regular BPL (orange or green) and APL (white) cards.

AAY Under NFSA

With the passage of the NFSA 2013, AAY beneficiaries were incorporated into the law as a separate category with the same 35 kg entitlement. This gave their food rights legal backing.

Practical Example

Kameshwar, a 68-year-old widower with no children and no income, was identified as an AAY beneficiary in his village. He receives 35 kg of grain (a mix of wheat and rice) every month free of cost from the fair price shop. This grain constitutes the primary food source for him. The yellow AAY ration card also links him to other government welfare benefits.

Key Takeaways

– AAY provides 35 kg of food grain per family per month to the poorest of the poor
– It identifies households within the BPL category who are most food-insecure
– Under PM-GKAY, the grain is provided free of cost
– AAY ration cards are distinctly coloured for identification at fair price shops
– The scheme is part of the National Food Security Act 2013 and has legal backing