New Delhi, 04 August (H.S.): The government on Tuesday informed the Rajya Sabha that it has received around 108 comments and suggestions from various stakeholders and the general public on the draft National Food Security (Amendment) Bill, 2026. The government said it is aware of the suggestions received and concerns raised, and remains committed to following a process based on extensive consultations, dialogue, and consensus.

Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Nimuben Jayantibhai Bambhaniya provided this information in a written reply to a question raised by Congress president and Rajya Sabha member Mallikarjun Kharge.

She said that under the proposed amendment, beneficiary families under the Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) would be provided seven kilograms of foodgrains per person, subject to a maximum limit of 35 kilograms per family, instead of the existing provision of 35 kilograms of foodgrains per family.

The Minister of State said that currently there are 26,81,565 Antyodaya Anna Yojana families in the country with more than five members. If the proposed amendment comes into effect, these families will receive less than seven kilograms of foodgrains per person due to the maximum ceiling of 35 kilograms per family.

The government stated that before releasing the draft amendment, the department analysed data related to AAY families. The analysis found significant disparities in per capita foodgrain availability due to variations in family sizes. Larger families with more than seven members receive less than five kilograms of foodgrains per person, while smaller families with one or two members receive comparatively much higher quantities per person. This has resulted in inequality within the AAY category.

The government said that the amendment has been proposed with the objective of eliminating this disparity and making the foodgrain distribution system more equitable and uniform.

The Ministry also clarified that all suggestions and comments received during the consultation process will be examined seriously before taking further steps.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar