🍚 Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) – Food Security for the Poorest

Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) is a flagship food security scheme launched by the Government of India on 25th December 2000, under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution. It aims to provide highly subsidized food grains to the poorest of the poor households under the Public Distribution System (PDS).

🌐 Official Portal

Visit the official website of the Department of Food & Public Distribution for more details:
https://dfpd.gov.in

Visit Official Website

🎯 Objectives of the Scheme

• To ensure food security for the poorest households in India.
• To provide rice and wheat at highly subsidized rates.
• To reduce hunger and malnutrition among below poverty line (BPL) families.

📦 Key Features of Antyodaya Anna Yojana

1. 35 kg of food grains per month to each Antyodaya ration card-holding family.
2. Subsidized Rates: Rice at ₹3/kg and Wheat at ₹2/kg.
3. Applicable only to poorest families below the poverty line.
4. Beneficiaries selected by state governments through surveys and identification drives.

👥 Who Can Apply?

• Landless agricultural laborers
• Marginal farmers
• Rural artisans (weavers, potters, blacksmiths, carpenters)
• Destitute families, manual scavengers, and elderly poor without social support

📝 How to Apply

To apply for an Antyodaya Ration Card:

• Visit your local Gram Panchayat or Municipal Office.
• Fill out the AAY application form with necessary documents.
• Submit proof of income, domicile, identity, and family details.
• The final list is verified and approved by local officials.

📑 Documents Required

• Income Certificate
• Residential Proof (Aadhaar, Voter ID, etc.)
• Ration Card or Affidavit (if applicable)
• Passport-size photographs

📊 Impact of AAY

The Antyodaya Anna Yojana has been instrumental in reducing extreme poverty and hunger. It ensures that no family goes without food, especially during economic crises or pandemics. With its simple structure and wide coverage, it has become a cornerstone in India’s food welfare strategy.