Assam subsidised food scheme has been resumed by the state government, with Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announcing that pulses and sugar will once again be available to beneficiaries at a combined price of Rs 100. The welfare initiative is expected to benefit around 70 lakh people across Assam. The scheme was relaunched from Raha in Nagaon district on August 10 after remaining suspended for nearly three months due to delays linked to the state budget process.
Assam subsidised food scheme resumes after three-month pause
The state government had introduced the subsidised ration programme ahead of the Assam Assembly elections to provide essential food items to eligible ration card holders at affordable rates. The initiative covered pulses, sugar and salt and was aimed at reducing the financial burden on households.
However, implementation was kept on hold for about three months because of issues connected with the state budget. With the latest announcement, the government has restarted the supply of pulses and sugar at the promised Rs 100 price point.
The restart is significant for families that depend on subsidised food supplies to manage their monthly household expenses, particularly amid fluctuations in the prices of essential commodities.
70 lakh people expected to benefit
According to Sarma, approximately 70 lakh people in Assam will benefit from the resumed scheme. The large beneficiary base makes the programme one of the state’s major food-support initiatives.
The government intends to use the existing ration distribution network to make the subsidised commodities available to eligible beneficiaries. The scheme is linked to ration card holders and is designed to ensure that essential food products reach families through the public distribution system.
The resumption also comes as Assam continues to deal with economic pressures on households and the wider impact of recurring floods and other disruptions. For many low-income families, lower-cost access to basic food items can provide direct monthly savings.
Salt supply faces technical delay
While pulses and sugar are now available under the restarted programme, the supply of subsidised salt has not resumed immediately.
Sarma said the delay was due to technical reasons and assured beneficiaries that salt distribution would begin within a few days. This means the full package of commodities covered by the welfare initiative is expected to return once the technical issues are resolved.
The government had originally planned the programme around the distribution of masoor dal, sugar and salt to ration card holders. Earlier details of the initiative showed that beneficiaries could purchase one kilogram each of the three commodities at subsidised rates, with the combined price eventually being brought down to Rs 100.
Scheme aimed at easing household expenses
The Assam subsidised food scheme is part of a broader set of welfare measures introduced by the state government to provide financial support to families.
The programme gives beneficiaries access to basic food commodities at prices below prevailing retail rates. By reducing monthly spending on staples such as pulses and sugar, the government hopes to provide immediate relief to households, particularly those covered by the state’s ration system.
The initiative also complements the National Food Security Act framework under which millions of people in Assam receive subsidised food grains. The state government’s additional support is intended to expand the benefits available to eligible families beyond the basic foodgrain allocation.
The scheme had attracted attention when it was launched because of its scale and its direct impact on household budgets. Its suspension for several months had created uncertainty among beneficiaries, making the latest restart particularly important for families relying on the subsidy.
Government promises continuity of welfare support
The resumption of the programme signals the Assam government’s intention to continue its focus on welfare and subsidised essential commodities. Sarma has also spoken in recent months about expanding support for beneficiaries of various government schemes.
Earlier, the government had indicated that subsidised pulses, sugar and salt could eventually be provided free to some sections, although the current programme provides the commodities at the announced subsidised rates.
For now, the immediate priority is restoring regular distribution. With pulses and sugar already back under the Rs 100 scheme and salt expected to follow shortly, around 70 lakh beneficiaries are set to regain access to the subsidised food support.
The relaunch from Raha marks a fresh phase for the welfare programme after its three-month interruption. Its effectiveness will depend on consistent supply, smooth distribution through ration outlets and timely resolution of the technical issues delaying salt. For thousands of households across Assam, the return of subsidised staples could provide meaningful relief in managing everyday food expenses.
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