Archive · 10 Nov 2025
Assam Government Expands Food Subsidy Scheme for Essential Items
The government in Assam is making it easier for families to get essential food like lentils, sugar, and salt.
Normally, buying one kilogram of each would cost about 117 rupees.
But now, through special shops, people with ration cards can buy these items for less money.
Starting January 1st, they will be able to buy a kilogram of dal, a kilogram of sugar, and a kilogram of salt all together for just 100 rupees.
The Chief Minister said this is part of his government's effort to help families.
He also mentioned that the government is helping people with cooking gas costs by sending money directly to their bank accounts.
This is different from how things used to be, when governments gave out physical items less often.
The government wants to make sure that everyone has the food and help they need.
Assam government has expanded the Anna Seva Scheme to offer dal, sugar, and salt at subsidised prices to nearly 70 lakh families.
The scheme is now operational in approximately 33,000 fair-price shops across the state.
Currently, 1 kg of dal costs Rs 69, 1 kg of sugar Rs 38, and 1 kg of salt Rs 10.
From January 1, the combined price for 1 kg of dal, 1 kg of sugar, and 1 kg of salt will be reduced to Rs 100 per household.
The government is also providing a Rs 250 direct benefit transfer for LPG cylinders to eligible households.
- Who
- The Assam government, under Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma
- What
- Expanded the Anna Seva Scheme to provide dal, sugar, and salt at subsidised rates to NFSA beneficiaries.
- When
- Scheme launched on Monday, November 10th, with a reduced combined price for dal, sugar, and salt to Rs 100 effective from January 1.
- Where
- Across approximately 33,000 fair-price shops in Assam.
- Why
- To provide nutritional security, support inclusive development, and ensure essential food items are available at affordable prices for ration card holders, while also introducing direct benefit transfers for other subsidies.
Previous Welfare Distribution
Current DBT-Focused Approach
Distribution Method
Previous Welfare Distribution
Governments previously distributed physical items like dhoti, blankets, and bedsheets infrequently, offering limited long-term benefit and requiring beneficiaries to attend meetings and potentially compete for goods.
Current DBT-Focused Approach
The current government utilizes Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT) and direct subsidies, ensuring that funds reach beneficiaries directly and efficiently, eliminating the need for physical distribution of items and associated competition.
Impact and Benefit
Previous Welfare Distribution
Past welfare programs were seen as providing infrequent, short-term benefits.
Current DBT-Focused Approach
The current approach, exemplified by the expanded food subsidy and LPG price support, aims for continuous and direct household welfare, with promises of further benefits like mustard oil distribution if the government is re-elected.
- Scheme Name
- Anna Seva Scheme (Expanded)
- Beneficiaries
- Nearly 70 lakh families under the National Food Security Act (NFSA)
- Subsidised Items
- Dal, Sugar, Salt
- Current Monthly Price (1kg each)
- Rs 117 (Dal Rs 69, Sugar Rs 38, Salt Rs 10)
- Future Monthly Price (1kg each)
- Rs 100 (from January 1)
- Distribution Network
- Approx. 33,000 fair-price shops across Assam
- Additional Subsidy
- Rs 250 direct deposit for LPG for Ujala card holders
