Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday launched a significant new welfare initiative under the Public Distribution System (PDS), introducing highly subsidized essential commodities for millions of families across the state. The scheme, aimed at tackling inflation and boosting nutritional security, will benefit nearly 70 lakh families covered under the National Food Security Act (NFSA).
The central launch event was held at the Srimanta Sankardeva Kalakshetra in Guwahati, with simultaneous ceremonies broadcast live to approximately 33,000 Fair Price Shops (FPS) statewide.
The ₹100 Subsidy Promise: What Beneficiaries Will Get
The scheme provides a monthly allocation of three essential kitchen staples at prices substantially lower than the open market rate. The scheme is structured to offer increasing relief in the coming months:
| Item (1 kg each) | Price (Nov & Dec 2025) | Reduced Price (From Jan 2026) |
| Masur Dal (Lentil) | ₹69 | ₹60 |
| Sugar | ₹38 | ₹30 |
| Salt | ₹10 | ₹10 |
| Total Combined Price | ₹117 | ₹100 |
Key Scheme Details:
- Beneficiaries: Approximately 70 lakh families covering around 2.45 crore individuals under the NFSA.
- Distribution: Items will be available monthly during the designated ‘Anna Seva Divas’ (1st to 10th of every month) at Fair Price Shops using biometric authentication via e-PoS machines.
- Flexibility: Beneficiaries can choose to purchase one, two, or all three subsidized items.
- Packaging: All products will be distributed in specially designed one-kilogram packets to ensure quality and prevent pilferage.
CM Sarma Highlights Welfare-Centric Governance
In his address at the launch, Chief Minister Sarma emphasized that the welfare of the poor remains the core mission of his administration.
“Antyodaya (upliftment of the poorest) is our aim, objective, and mission,” Sarma stated. “By providing subsidized masur dal, sugar, and salt to NFSA beneficiaries, we have set a new benchmark in nutritional security for the ration card holders.”
The Chief Minister also detailed the expansion of existing welfare programmes, including:
- Orunodoi Scheme: The monthly financial assistance has been enhanced to ₹1,250 and the number of beneficiaries has risen to 38 lakh under the latest phase (Orunodoi 3.0).
- Healthcare: Free healthcare worth up to ₹5 lakh annually under the Ayushman Asom Mukhyamantri Jan Arogya Yojana.
- Education: Free college admissions for students from ration card holder families and financial assistance under the Nijut Moina scheme for girl students.
Transparency and Dealer Support
To ensure the benefits reach the intended recipients without leakage, the government has mandated biometric authentication for collection. Furthermore, to incentivize Fair Price Shop dealers and ensure transparency, the government announced they will receive an incentive of ₹2 per kilogram for distributing the subsidized items, with a stern warning against charging any extra amount from beneficiaries.
The launch of this massive subsidy program is seen as a crucial step in the state’s continued focus on strengthening food security and easing the economic burden on economically weaker sections across Assam.
