State governments of Mizoram and Puducherry have conveyed this apprehension to the Union Ministry of Food and Consumer Affairs.
Under the draft National Food Security Bill, which is expected to soon come up for Cabinet consideration, it would be the woman in the household who will be enrolled as head of the family in the ration cards.
Under the proposed legislation, rice and wheat will be provided to the poor at a highly subsidised rates as legal entitlements.
Responding to the Centre's proposal the Puducherry Government has written that it "is not socially acceptable" in the state.
The ministry has also sought public comments on the issue.
Likewise, the Mizoram Government has said that "there may be confusion as PDS (Public Distribution System) cards are used to avail other benefits from the government. It is questionable whether what is sought to be achieved by this section is tenable...".
There are increased chances for confusion because the man-woman role reversal is limited to the ration supply.
The ministry has also received comments from individuals. A male resident of Cochin said, "It has to be seen how food security of husbands will be ensured if the ownership of ration cards is surrendered to women at a time when they are not keen on taking care of the needs of their husbands."