Even as it claims to be fighting the perception that it is anti-poor, the Modi government has just dealt a big blow to the poorest of the poor: the planned phasing out of the Antyodaya programme under the Targeted Public Distribution System (Control) Order 2015. This move is unjust and illegal.
Antyodaya is a programme of social support for destitute households. It involves the provision of 35 kg of foodgrains at nominal prices (Rs.3/kg for rice and Rs.2/kg for wheat) to the poorest households in every village. Some marginalised social groups, such as the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups, are entitled to Antyodaya cards as a matter of right, under Supreme Court orders in the Right to Food case. The programme covers more than 20 million rural households, and its effectiveness is well documented. It has become a lifeline for many widows, elderly persons and other vulnerable groups.
The National Food Security Act (NFSA) calls for the continuation of Antyodaya, but it also empowers the central government to specify the coverage of the programme. Stretching these powers, the PDS Control Order mentioned earlier prescribes that “when an Antyodaya household becomes ineligible on account of migration outside the State, improvement in social or economic status, death, etc., no new Antyodaya household shall be identified in that State and the total number of Antyodaya households shall be reduced to that extent”. In other words, no new Antyodaya cards for anyone and zero coverage in due course.
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