Assam Restarts Subsidised Pulses, Sugar Scheme; 70 Lakh to Benefit

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday announced the resumption of the state government's subsidised food scheme, under which pulses and sugar will be made available to beneficiaries at Rs 100. The scheme is expected to benefit around 70 lakh people across Assam. It was relaunched from Raha in Nagaon district on August 10 after remaining suspended for nearly three months due to delays related to the state budget. The scheme was originally introduced ahead of the Assembly elections to provide essential food items, including sugar, pulses and salt, at subsidised prices. Sarma said pulses and sugar would now be supplied at Rs 100 under the relaunched scheme. However, the distribution of salt could not resume immediately due to technical reasons. "We will start providing it in a few days," the Chief Minister said. The government had kept the scheme on hold for the past three months as issues linked to the state's budget delayed its continuation. With the scheme now back in operation, beneficiaries will once again be able to access pulses and sugar at the announced affordable rates. Also Read: Assam Ration Card Holders to Lose Subsidised Dal, Sugar, Salt from June