RESEARCH: ANTYODAYA ANNA YOJANA

[Introduction] [Survey Questionnaires] [Survey Guidelines] [Findings]

Introduction 

The Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) was launched on 25 December 2000 for the purpose of providing food security to the poorest of the poor. Eligible families are identified by gram sabhas or gram panchayats, and are entitled to to 35 kilograms of grain per month at highly subsidised prices (Rs 2/kg for wheat and Rs 3/kg for rice). The scheme envisioned an initial target of 1 crore people.

In June 2002, researchers from the Centre for Development Economics and the Centre for Equity Studies conducted a field survey to evaluate the AAY, and also learn something about the social and economic conditions of destitute households throughout India. The survey covered 450 households in five States: Andhra Pradesh, Chattisgarh, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh. The analysis of survey results is still in progress, but we are in a position to report some preliminary findings. More will be made available in due course.