Over 80 crore people to get free ration under Food Security Act

In a major decision, the Union Government has decided to provide free ration to 81.35 crore poor people under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) for one year.

Minister of Consumers Affairs, Food and Public distribution Piyush Goyal said the beneficiaries, who were getting food grains at highly subsidised rates under the Act would get free food grains until December 2023.

Under NFSA the government currently provides 5 kg of food grains per person per month at Rs 2-3 per kg. The families covered under Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) get 35 kg of food grains per month.

Rice is given to poor persons under NFSA at Rs 3 per kg and wheat at Rs 2 per kg.

Briefing reporters about the decision taken by the Union Cabinet, Food Minister Piyush Goyal said the Centre will bear the entire burden of providing free food grains under NFSA.

The annual cost to the exchequer is estimated at Rs 2 lakh crore.