Government Introduces Draft Bill to Amend National Food Security Act for Equitable Food Distribution

The Union government has released the draft National Food Security (Amendment) Bill, 2026, for public feedback to address disparities in foodgrain entitlements under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013. The current system provides 35 kg of foodgrains per family per month to Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) households, while priority households receive 5 kg per person monthly. Concerns over fairness and nutrition have led to calls for reform to ensure more balanced allocations.
The proposed amendment aims to create a hybrid model that combines per-person and household limits to rationalize entitlements. It suggests that every individual in an AAY household should receive 7 kg of foodgrains per month, with a maximum of 35 kg per household. This shift intends to better align foodgrain distribution with nutritional needs and prevent overallocation to smaller households.
By transitioning to a fairer per-capita distribution system, the amendment seeks to enhance food security for all beneficiaries. It emphasizes participatory policymaking by inviting public feedback on the draft bill, highlighting the government’s commitment to inclusive governance.