Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday, 10 August announced the resumption of the state's subsidised food scheme, under which pulses and sugar will be made available to eligible beneficiaries at ₹100, covering approximately 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 linked to the state Budget process.

What the Scheme Covers

The initiative, originally introduced ahead of the Assembly elections, was designed to supply sugar, pulses, and salt to households at subsidised prices. With the relaunch, pulses and sugar distribution has resumed, providing relief to a large section of households at a time when prices of essential food items remain a significant concern for consumers.

However, the resumption of salt distribution could not be restarted immediately due to certain technical issues. Sarma assured beneficiaries that the supply would be restored soon. 'We will start providing it in a few days,' the Chief Minister said.

Why the Scheme Was Suspended

The subsidised food scheme had been on hold for close to three months, with officials attributing the pause to procedural delays associated with the state's Budget cycle. The relaunch signals the government's intent to restore the welfare measure as the Budget process concluded and administrative clearances were secured.

Assam-Arunachal Pradesh Border Dispute

Separately, Chief Minister Sarma also addressed the ongoing territorial dispute between Assam and neighbouring Arunachal Pradesh, saying that senior officials of both states were actively engaged in resolving the matter. He noted that the Chief Secretaries of both states were holding discussions on the inter-state boundary situation, while the Directors General of Police of the two states were also examining the matter.

Sarma was unequivocal about Assam's position on its territorial claims. 'Assam's land will not be surrendered under any circumstances,' he stated, adding that security reinforcements had already been deployed to the affected areas. The Assam-Arunachal Pradesh boundary has remained a longstanding sensitive issue, with both states pursuing dialogue to address competing territorial claims.

Impact on Citizens

The resumption of the subsidised scheme is expected to provide immediate relief to an estimated 70 lakh beneficiaries across Assam, particularly low-income households dependent on affordable access to essential commodities. The scheme's revival comes at a critical time, with food inflation continuing to weigh on household budgets statewide.

With pulses and sugar distribution now back on track, attention will turn to when salt supply — the third component of the original scheme — will be restored, with the Chief Minister indicating a resumption within days.