Assam resumes Rs 100 pulses, sugar scheme; 70 lakh people to benefit: Himanta

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on August 10 announced the resumption of the state government's scheme providing pulses and sugar at an affordable price of Rs 100, saying around 70 lakh people across the state will benefit from it.

The scheme, which was launched ahead of the Assembly elections to provide sugar, pulses and salt at subsidised rates, remained suspended for three months due to delays linked to this year's state budget.

The scheme was relaunched from Raha in Nagaon district on August 10. Sarma said pulses and sugar would now be made available for Rs 100.

However, the government could not resume the supply of salt immediately due to technical reasons.

“We will start providing it in a few days,” Sarma said.

On the ongoing border dispute between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, the chief minister said discussions were underway between the Chief Secretaries of the two states. He added that the Directors General of Police were also looking into the situation.

Sarma made it clear that Assam would not compromise on its territorial interests.

“Assam’s land will not be surrendered under any circumstances,” he said, adding that reinforcements had already been dispatched to the affected area.