The Assam government has put its subsidised distribution scheme for masur dal, sugar and salt on hold starting in June, citing financial limitations under the current Vote-on-Account Budget arrangement.
The announcement was made by the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) in a social media post on Monday.
According to the CMO, the "Affordable Supply of Masur Dal, Sugar and Salt" scheme will remain suspended until the newly formed government presents and secures approval for the full state budget.
The scheme is expected to resume from August after the budget receives legislative clearance.
The government, however, assured beneficiaries that the distribution of free rice under its food security programme will continue without interruption. Beneficiaries will continue to receive free rice every month as before.
In a post on X, CMO said, "Due to the Vote-on-Account Budget, the Government of Assam has temporarily suspended the "Affordable Supply of Masur Dal, Sugar and Salt" scheme from June. The scheme will be reinstated from August following the approval of the full Budget by the newly constituted government. Distribution of free rice will continue uninterrupted every month."
Update 📢
Due to the Vote-on-Account Budget, the Government of Assam has temporarily suspended the "Affordable Supply of Masur Dal, Sugar and Salt" scheme from June. The scheme will be reinstated from August following the approval of the full Budget by the newly constituted… pic.twitter.com/Zt0vE1vyLe
- Chief Minister Assam (@CMOfficeAssam)
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The subsidised scheme has been providing masur dal, sugar and salt at reduced prices to eligible households across the state. Officials reiterated that the programme would be restored once the complete budget is approved.
Separately, the Food, Public Distribution and Consumer Affairs Department, also confirmed that budgetary constraints under the current Vote-on-Account framework led to the decision.
The department further informed that stocks of sugar, lentils, edible oil and salt that remained undistributed at some fair price shops during the May foodgrain distribution cycle would be provided on a priority basis to eligible Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) beneficiaries.