What is Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY)?

Before AAY, India had the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS), which provided subsidized food to families Below the Poverty Line (BPL). However, the government realized that within the BPL category, there were families facing extreme destitution—such as landless laborers, marginalized tribal groups, disabled individuals, and widows without support. AAY was specifically designed to identify and assist this 'poorest of the poor' segment, who could not afford even the standard BPL subsidized rates.

Under the Antyodaya Anna Yojana, the identified highly vulnerable families are provided with a special yellow ration card. Through this card, the government guarantees a massive subsidy on highly nutritious food grains.

• Quantity: Each eligible family is entitled to receive 35 kilograms of food grains per month.
• Highly Subsidized Rates: The food is provided at incredibly low prices: Wheat at ₹2 per kg and Rice at ₹3 per kg. By drastically lowering the price, the government ensures that no family goes to bed hungry.

The success of AAY relies heavily on the correct identification of beneficiaries. The responsibility of finding the 'poorest of the poor' lies with the State Governments and Union Territory administrations, which conduct thorough surveys to identify eligible households within their jurisdictions.