Assam resumes subsidised pulses, sugar scheme; 70 lakh people to benefit

Guwahati, Aug 10 (IANS) 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, benefiting around 70 lakh people across the state.

The scheme was relaunched from Raha in Nagaon district after remaining suspended for nearly three months due to delays associated with the state Budget process.

Sarma said the government had now restored the supply of pulses and sugar at affordable rates as part of its commitment to provide essential commodities to eligible beneficiaries.

The scheme, introduced ahead of the Assembly elections, had aimed to provide sugar, pulses and salt to people at subsidised prices.

The Chief Minister said the distribution of salt could not be restarted immediately because of certain technical issues. However, he assured beneficiaries that the supply would resume shortly. “We will start providing it in a few days,” Sarma said.

The initiative is expected to provide relief to a large section of households at a time when prices of essential food items remain a major concern for consumers.

Meanwhile, Sarma also spoke about the continuing territorial dispute between Assam and neighbouring Arunachal Pradesh, saying that efforts were underway to resolve the issue through discussions between senior officials of the two states.

He said the Chief Secretaries of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh were engaged in discussions regarding the situation along the inter-state boundary. The Directors General of Police of both states were also examining the matter, Sarma said, indicating that the government was closely monitoring developments in the affected areas.

However, the Chief Minister asserted that Assam would firmly protect its territorial interests and would not accept any arrangement that compromises the state’s land. “Assam’s land will not be surrendered under any circumstances,” Sarma said. He further stated that security reinforcements had already been sent to the affected area as the authorities continued efforts to maintain peace and prevent further escalation.

The Assam-Arunachal Pradesh boundary has remained a sensitive issue, with both states pursuing dialogue to address longstanding territorial claims.

–IANS

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