The “Antyodaya Anna Yojana” (AAY) was launched in December 2000 for ____ poorest of the poor families among BPL covered under TPDS.

Correct option is B

✅ (b) 1 crore
· Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) was launched in December 2000 targeting 1 crore poorest of the poor families.
· Provided them with highly subsidized food grains under the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS).
· Families were identified based on economic conditions and vulnerability.
· AAY beneficiaries received 35 kg of food grains per family per month at minimal prices.
❌ (a) 2 crore
· Initially, the target was 1 crore families.
· Coverage increased in later phases, but not at launch.
❌ (c) 4 crore
· 4 crore is an exaggerated figure compared to the actual initial target of 1 crore families.
· Incorrect as per official data of 2000.
❌ (d) 3 crore
· Though the scheme expanded over time, the initial beneficiary number at launch was 1 crore.
· 3 crore is not the correct launch figure.