NEW DELHI: The government is set to offer additional foodgrains at subsidised rates to offload massive stocks piled up in granaries due to a liberal support price regime and also add a kilo of sugar to the monthly ration for beneficiaries under the National Food Security Act (NFSA).

Over the next few days, the Union Cabinet is expected to decide on providing additional 2 kg grains to every NFSA beneficiary on a monthly basis — a move that will increase the monthly quota to 7 kg. While 81 crore individuals stand to get more wheat and rice through the temporary move, nearly 19 crore families can now draw their quota of sugar.

NFSA provides for a monthly quota of 5 kg foodgrain for all below poverty line individuals at highly subsidised rate of Rs 1, 2 and 3 per kg for coarse grains, wheat and rice, respectively. Households covered under Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY), which is targeted at the poorest of the poor, are entitled to 35 kg per household per month.