Assam Government to launch subsidised essential commodities scheme for 70 lakh ration card holders

Assam government is set to launch a subsidised essential commodities scheme targeting approximately 70 lakh ration card holders across the state.

The announcement was made by Kaushik Roy, Minister for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, during a district-level awareness programme organised at the Bodofa Cultural Complex in Kokrajhar on Saturday. The initiative, scheduled for rollout from October 1, aims to provide essential food items to beneficiaries at highly subsidised rates.

As per the minister’s statement, ration card holders will be able to purchase the following items at the fixed prices:

Masoor Dal – ₹69 per kg

Sugar – ₹38 per kg

Salt – ₹10 per kg

The scheme will first be introduced in 10 districts starting October 1, with an expansion to 25 additional districts planned from November 1. The total estimated reach of the scheme is 2.45 crore beneficiaries throughout Assam.

“This scheme is being implemented under the direct guidance of Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma and is designed to support the poor and marginalised by ensuring access to affordable nutrition,” said Minister Roy.

The awareness meeting was attended by local public representatives and key administrative officials, including:

Lawrence Islary, MLA

Masanda M. Partin, District Commissioner

Madan Talukdar, Joint Director, Food & Civil Supplies

Subhash Chandra Sharma, Senior Department Official

The event also saw the participation of fair price shop owners and Gaon Panchayat Cooperative Society members, with discussions focusing on grassroots implementation, supply chain coordination, and community-level sensitisation.

The Department of Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs, which is leading the initiative, emphasised the importance of collaboration with local governance structures to ensure transparency and efficiency in the scheme’s execution.

The subsidised commodities programme is expected to play a crucial role in enhancing food security for millions of families, especially in rural and remote regions of Assam.