The CPI(M) has opposed the proposed amendment to the National Food Security Act (NFSA), stating it will reduce foodgrain entitlements for the poorest by changing the AAY scheme from a household-based system to a per-capita one.
The Communist Party of India (Marxist) has opposed the proposed amendment to the National Food Security Act (NFSA), noting that it seeks to change the entitlement criteria under the Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) from a household-based system to a per capita system.
‘Amendment Reduces Entitlement for Small Households’
The party politburo said in a release that the proposed change of enhancing food grains to 7 kg per person offers no benefit to larger households, as their entitlement will continue to remain capped at 35 kg per month regardless of family size. At the same time, it will substantially reduce the foodgrain entitlement of smaller households, which are currently guaranteed the full 35 kg under the existing scheme.
“The amendment will therefore disproportionately affect the poorest and most vulnerable sections of society, including elderly couples, widows, persons with disabilities, tribal families, landless agricultural labourers, daily wage workers, persons with chronic illnesses, and small nuclear families whose food security depends on the AAY, irrespective of household size,” the release said.
Impact on Southern States
The party said that the amendment will adversely impact states, particularly the southern states that have successfully implemented family planning programmes and consequently have smaller average household sizes.
“These states will suffer a significant reduction in their overall foodgrain allocations despite their achievements in population stabilisation,” it said.
Party Demands Withdrawal, Slams Outdated Census Data
The party sought withdrawal of the proposed amendment.
CPI-M said that for years, there has been a legitimate and widely supported demand to revise the beneficiary lists under the NFSA, which continues to be based on the outdated 2011 Census.
“As a result, millions of eligible people remain excluded from the Act’s benefits. Instead of addressing this long-pending demand by updating the beneficiary database and expanding coverage in line with current population figures, the Modi Government has chosen to introduce an amendment that effectively reduces the food entitlements of the poorest sections of the population,” the party said. (ANI)
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