Guwahati: The Assam government has launched a new scheme to provide lentils, sugar, and salt at subsidised rates to beneficiaries under the National Food Security Act (NFSA).
Announcing the rollout, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the initiative marks the first time such essential food items will be made available at reduced prices through all fair price shops across the state.
“Masur dal: Rs 69 per kg, sugar: Rs 38 per kg, salt: Rs 10 per kg — is it possible? Yes, in Assam it is!” Sarma wrote on X after launching the scheme at a programme in Guwahati.
He said from Monday onwards, “for the first time across all fair price shops”, these food products will be offered at below-market prices.
He added that from January 2026, the rates will be further lowered. “From January, Rs 100 will get 1 kg dal, 1 kg sugar, and 1 kg salt. With this, we’ve set a new benchmark in nutritional security for ration card holders,” the Chief Minister said, adding that “Antyodaya is our aim, objective, and mission.”
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According to a statement from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), the scheme was formally launched under the NFSA framework, with special meetings held simultaneously across nearly 33,000 fair price shops in Assam. Beneficiaries, along with ministers, MLAs, and local representatives, took part in the state-wide rollout events.
