Overview

• Under the National Food Security Act of 2013, up to 813.5 million people—about two-thirds of India’s population—are entitled to subsidized foodgrains.
• The Centre told the Rajya Sabha that states and union territories have identified 805.6 million beneficiaries, leaving 7.9 million unfilled slots under Section 9’s census-based targeting.
• Any expansion beyond the 2011 census-based coverage can only proceed once data from the next population census is published.
• States are undertaking continuous database updates to delete ineligible ration cards and add newly eligible households.
• The Centre continues to provide free wheat and rice at 35 kg per Antyodaya Anna Yojana family and 5 kg per person for priority households each month.