The Central Government’s free monthly ration scheme provides 5 kg of free food grains, including wheat and rice, every month to millions of poor and needy people in the country for their monthly sustenance. However, a major change has recently been made to this scheme. In the last four to five months, the names of 2.25 crore ineligible people have been removed from the ration card list.
A senior Food Ministry official said that this action was taken to ensure that the benefits of this scheme reach only eligible people. Food Secretary Sanjiv Chopra confirmed that approximately 2.25 crore ineligible beneficiaries have been removed from the list under the National Food Security Act (NFSA).
Reason for the removals
The government had found that many ineligible people were included in the list under the National Food Security Act (NFSA). These included people who owned four-wheelers, had monthly incomes exceeding the prescribed limit, or were directors of companies. Another senior ministry official stated that the Union Food and Public Distribution Department had identified ineligible beneficiaries.
This list was shared with state governments so that ineligible beneficiaries could be removed through proper verification. The official stated that these 2.25 crore ineligible beneficiaries were removed from the list over the past four to five months. He added that many of these beneficiaries were deceased. The names of corporate directors and owners of four-wheelers were also removed from the list.
Eligibility Criteria
The National Food Security Act (NFSA), passed by Parliament in 2013, provides coverage for 75% of the rural population and 50% of the urban population. According to the 2011 Census, it covers approximately two-thirds (813.5 million) of the country’s total population.
Responsibility of States
Identifying beneficiaries and issuing ration cards is the responsibility of the states. Removing ineligible beneficiaries and adding eligible beneficiaries under the Act is an ongoing process. Eligibility criteria are also being determined by the states. Free food grains are being provided under two categories of beneficiaries: Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) families and Priority Households (PHH).
AAY families: Under the Act, each Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) family is entitled to 35 kg of grain per month.
PHH individuals: Each Priority Household (PHH) individual is entitled to 5 kg of grain per month.
There are over 19 crore ration card holders across the country, while there are approximately 5 lakh Fair Price Shops (FPS) across all states and union territories. In July, the central government informed Parliament that, against the targeted coverage of 813.5 million, states/union territories had identified only 805.6 million individuals and that there was scope to identify 79 million more beneficiaries under the NFSA. This step is crucial to ensure the benefits of the scheme reach those truly in need.