Sudhir SinghUpdated on June 19, 2026
Antyodaya Anna Yojana was launched in December 2000 specifically to reach the poorest families among the poor. Even within the BPL (Below Poverty Line) category, some families are in a worse position than others. AAY targets these households: the landless agricultural labourers, marginal farmers, rural artisans, widows with no support, disabled persons living alone, and urban slum dwellers with no steady income.
The yellow ration card that comes with AAY is different from the standard BPL card. It gives more grain at lower rates and comes with priority treatment in food distribution.
What AAY Beneficiaries Receive
| Item | Quantity per Month | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Wheat | Included in 35 kg total | Rs. 2 per kg |
| Rice | Included in 35 kg total | Rs. 3 per kg |
| Total grain per household | 35 kg | Fixed regardless of family size |
The 35 kg allocation is per household, not per person. Whether there are 2 people or 8 people in the house, the monthly entitlement remains 35 kg. This is different from other ration card categories where grain is allocated per person.
Under the PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) extension, AAY households also receive 5 kg of free grain per person per month over and above this entitlement. This benefit has been extended through 2028.
Difference Between AAY, BPL, and Priority Household Cards
| Card Type | Colour | Allocation | Target Group |
|---|---|---|---|
| Antyodaya Anna Yojana | Yellow | 35 kg per household | Poorest of the poor |
| Priority Household (PHH) | Pink or state-specific | 5 kg per person | BPL families |
| APL (Above Poverty Line) | Blue or state-specific | Limited allocation | Above poverty line |
Who Is Eligible for the AAY Yellow Card?
The National Food Security Act and state governments identify AAY households from these specific groups:
- Landless agricultural labourers, marginal farmers, and rural artisans such as potters, tanners, weavers, and blacksmiths.
- Slum dwellers, daily wagers, and persons earning their livelihood through casual labour in urban areas.
- Widows, terminally ill persons, disabled people, and elderly persons above 65 years with no assured means of subsistence.
- All primitive tribal households.
- Families where the head of household is a woman.
- Households that do not own irrigated land, have no family member with a regular income, and have no pucca house.
Families that pay income tax, own a four-wheeler, have a government job, or own irrigated agricultural land above a threshold set by the state are automatically excluded.
How to Apply for an AAY Ration Card
- Visit your nearest ration card office, tehsil office, or Block Supply Officer.
- Ask for the AAY application form. In many states, this is also available on the state food and civil supplies department website.
- Fill in the form with details of all family members, household income, land ownership status, and occupation.
- Attach required documents: Aadhaar cards of all family members, address proof, income certificate from the tehsil, and photographs.
- Submit to the Supply Inspector or Block Supply Officer. They conduct a field verification visit to confirm your living conditions.
- The Gram Sabha or Ward Committee approves or rejects the application based on the verification.
- If approved, the yellow card is issued within 30 to 60 days depending on the state.
Some states accept online applications through the state food portal. Check your state’s food and civil supplies department website for the digital process.
How to Check AAY Beneficiary List
- Visit the National Food Security Portal at nfsa.gov.in.
- Click “Ration Card” and then “Ration Card Details on State Portals”.
- Select your state, district, block, and village or town.
- The portal displays AAY and PHH beneficiaries from your area along with ration card numbers.
You can also visit your local Fair Price Shop (FPS) and ask the dealer to show the AAY list for your area. This is a public document.
Other Benefits Linked to the AAY Card
- Priority access to housing under PM Awas Yojana Gramin.
- Automatic inclusion in Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY health scheme in most states.
- Exemption from RTI application fees (BPL/AAY families pay no fee).
- Free LPG connection under PM Ujjwala Yojana (priority to AAY households).
- State-specific benefits: some states offer free electricity up to a limit, free school uniforms, and textbooks for children from AAY households.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get both the AAY allocation and PMGKAY free grain?
Yes. The AAY entitlement of 35 kg at subsidised rates and the PMGKAY free grain of 5 kg per person per month are separate and run together. Both are collected from the same Fair Price Shop, usually in the same monthly visit.
My family moved from a village to a city. Can we keep the AAY card?
You need to transfer or surrender the old card and apply fresh in the new location. One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC) allows you to use your existing card temporarily at any FPS across India while the transfer is being processed. However, a permanent address change requires a fresh application in the new city or state.
The Fair Price Shop dealer says the grain is not available this month. What should I do?
First check the FPS transaction details at nfsa.gov.in to confirm your allocation was released by the government. If it shows “released” but the dealer claims unavailability, file a complaint at the State Food Helpline or the District Supply Officer. Every state has a toll-free food grievance number printed on your ration card.
📩 If you notice any incorrect data in this guide or wish to share additional information, please write to us at info@indiansouls.in.
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