Protecting food entitlements of poorest households in India

By Bhar Dogra  

In the implementation of welfare programs, one principle that should command universal consensus—and be applied without exception—is that the poorest households must not face any reduction in their benefits or entitlements. Reform can be undertaken without reduction, and reform can even include increases, but no change should result in diminished entitlements for the most vulnerable.

Guided by this principle, I appeal to the Government of India to withdraw a proposed amendment to the National Food Security Act. If implemented, this amendment could significantly reduce the existing food entitlements of nearly ten million of India’s poorest households—specifically those with 1 to 4 members.

India has long recognised the need for special protection for its most vulnerable households, often referred to as Antyodaya families—a term that signifies reaching the poorest first. While these households face multiple deprivations, food has rightly been identified as the most urgent need. Initially, each Antyodaya household was entitled to 25 kilograms of food grains (usually wheat or rice) per month at a nominally subsidised price. This was later increased to 35 kilograms, as part of a graded public distribution system.

Antyodaya households typically include those with very low or no income—such as the elderly without family support, widows with young children, persons with severe disabilities, and particularly vulnerable tribal or other marginalised groups.

Over time, several changes were made to food subsidy policies, but the fixed 35-kilogram entitlement for Antyodaya families was retained. Moreover, the nominal price was eventually eliminated, making this monthly supply completely free. Some of these changes were formalised under the National Food Security Act, while others were introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic and later continued.

Recently, however, the government has proposed a change: replacing the fixed 35-kilogram monthly allocation per Antyodaya household with a per-capita entitlement of 7 kilograms, subject to a ceiling of 35 kilograms per household.

Since Antyodaya households tend to be small, this change would result in significant losses for many. A five-member household would still receive 35 kilograms (7×5), so it would neither gain nor lose. But a two-member household would see its entitlement drop from 35 kilograms to just 14 kilograms (7×2), and a three-member household from 35 to 21 kilograms (7×3).

With nearly 20 million Antyodaya households in India, and about half having fewer than five members, roughly 10 million such families stand to lose a substantial portion of their free food grain entitlement under this amendment.

In keeping with the fundamental principle that the poorest should not face any reduction in welfare, the government should withdraw this change and restore the fixed monthly provision of 35 kilograms of food grains per Antyodaya household. Even if some households receive more than their immediate requirement, they can always exchange the surplus for other essential needs.

It is possible that the government was not fully aware of the adverse impact on Antyodaya households when the amendment was proposed. However, now that this implication has been brought to light, it is urgent that the government reverts to the system that has been in place for several years. Given the relatively small number of Antyodaya households, the additional cost of retaining the old system would be minimal when viewed as a percentage of the total food subsidy.

Concerned citizens and organisations should strongly appeal to the government to uphold the previous level of entitlement, which serves as a vital lifeline for millions of India’s poorest—especially since the delivery mechanism is already in place.

It is hoped that the government will withdraw this amendment without delay. If it does not, a widespread campaign must be launched to stop this injustice.

In addition, the government should take special measures to ensure that this and all other provisions meant for the poorest households reach them effectively, by removing any procedural hurdles that currently exist.

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The writer is Honorary Convener of the Campaign to Save Earth Now. His recent books include India's Quest for Sustainable Farming and Healthy Food and Man over Machine. Visit his website at bharatdogra.in and his YouTube channel: Bharat Dogra | Save Earth Campagn