Tamil Nadu has harvested less rice than its share under the Antyodaya Anna Yojana in five of the last seven years

In a recent letter to the Chief Minister, Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay urged the Center to maintain the current entitlement of 35 kg of food grains per month for each household under the Antyodaya Anna Yojana, irrespective of family size. | Photo credit: FILE PHOTO

Tamil Nadu has harvested less rice than the quota allocated to Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) cardholders under the public distribution scheme in five of the last seven years. In this context, Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay’s request to Prime Minister Narendra Modi not to disturb the existing provisions assumes significance.

Out of the five years (from 2019-20 to 2025-26), it was during the COVID-19 pandemic year (2020-21) that withdrawal came close to the allocated figure of around 6.99 million tonnes, with withdrawal at about 98%. In the remaining four years, it ranged from around 73% in 2022–23 and 2023–24 to 79% in 2024–25. In just two years (2019-20 and 2025-26), utilization exceeded the allocated amount, by almost 108%.

Free supply

From 2020 to 2023, the Union Government introduced the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) to provide free food in addition to the regular ration in view of the pandemic. In those years, Tamil Nadu came under criticism from the Union government for using more free grains than its regular allotment, as rice was then supplied to the state at ₹3 per kg on AAY and Priority Household (PHH) cards.

From January 1, 2023, the Union Government will not charge any amount for rice meant for these two categories of cards. It has extended the period of distribution of free food grains, the arrangement of which is called PMGKAY, for five years with effect from January 1, 2024.

In a recent letter to the Chief Minister, Mr. Vijay urged the Center to maintain the current entitlement of 35 kg of food grains per month for each household under the Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY), irrespective of family size, as it has been since the National Food Security Act (NFSA) was passed in 2013.

Proposed change

The amendment proposed by the Center seeks to provide 7 kg per person per month with an overall ceiling of 35 kg per household. Mr. Vijay observed that the move, if implemented, would “reduce food security” for nearly 70 lakh most vulnerable people in the state and lead to a reduction in the monthly quota from 65,261 tonnes to around 42,040 tonnes.

Inquiries with field officials reveal that many undeserving persons have been added to the list of AAY beneficiaries over the years. They must be weeded and the ride is on. As of today, there are 18,64,600 AAY ration cards covering 69,26,983 beneficiaries. Of these, the number of AAY cardholders who have a family of less than 5 is 15.75 million, with 58.51 million beneficiaries.

Room for abuse

The former politician, who has been involved in the food issue for a long time, feels that the Centre’s move makes good sense as the current entitlement of 35 kg for AAY ration card irrespective of family size gives huge scope for abuse and it is almost impossible for the authorities to prevent it.

T. Sadagopan, president of the Tamil Nadu Progressive Consumer Centre, suggests that with the average family size in the state being about 3.5, the amount has been fixed at 30 kg per family, regardless of the number of family members.

Food Minister P. Venkataramanan’s reply is awaited.

Published – 7 Jul 2026 22:10 IST