Will the Gujarat Government Distribute Extra Sugar and Cooking Oil to BPL Families at Subsidized Rates?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
In a significant move to support low-income families, the Gujarat government plans to distribute additional sugar and cooking oil at reduced prices starting early August. This initiative is aimed primarily at Antyodaya and BPL families, ensuring they can celebrate Janmashtami joyfully and affordably.
Key Takeaways
- 75 lakh ration card holders to receive benefits.
- Subsidized rates for sugar and cooking oil.
- Special focus on Antyodaya and BPL families.
- Initiative starts in early August.
- Government's commitment to food security.
Gandhinagar, July 24 (NationPress) The Gujarat government is set to offer additional sugar and edible oil at subsidized prices to more than 75 lakh ration card holders, focusing on Antyodaya and BPL families, starting in early August, announced Food and Civil Supplies Minister Kunvarji Bavaliya.
This initiative, spearheaded by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, is designed to ensure that underprivileged families can celebrate Janmashtami with joy and dignity, as stated by Minister Bavaliya.
As part of this special festival relief program, each ration card holder will receive one litre of double-filtered groundnut oil for just Rs 100 per litre, applicable to families under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) and qualifying Non-NFSA BPL households.
Moreover, these households will also be entitled to one kilogram of sugar at subsidized rates—Rs 22 per kg for BPL families and Rs 15 per kg for Antyodaya cardholders—over and above their normal entitlements.
The minister further noted that through the public distribution system, Gujarat currently supplies monthly essentials such as sugar, salt, chana, and tur dal to over 3.18 crore beneficiaries via its 75 lakh-plus ration cards.
Considering the significance of Janmashtami and Diwali, the government introduces special seasonal relief measures, providing additional cooking oil and sugar at reduced prices to alleviate the financial strain on economically disadvantaged segments.
Minister of State for Food and Civil Supplies Bhikhusinh Parmar added that to guarantee protein-rich nutrition, every Antyodaya and BPL family will also receive one kilogram of chana priced at Rs 30/kg and one kilogram of tur dal at Rs 50/kg during the festive distribution.
In addition, all eligible families under NFSA and Non-NFSA BPL categories will be supplied salt at just Re 1/kg per card. He confirmed that the allocation of essential commodities for August 2025 has already been finalized in July to ensure punctual delivery to fair price shops across the state.
Distribution efforts are already in motion to prevent delays and guarantee a smooth rollout. Emphasizing the government's commitment to food and nutrition security, Parmar remarked, 'These welfare schemes reflect the state's resolve to ensure integrated development for all citizens of Gujarat, particularly the most vulnerable, through inclusive and timely measures.'
Point of View
The Gujarat government's initiative showcases its commitment to welfare and support for the economically disadvantaged. By focusing on essential commodities during festive seasons, the state is not only addressing immediate needs but also promoting a sense of dignity and celebration among vulnerable communities. This approach aligns with national goals of inclusive economic development.
NationPress
26/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who will benefit from the Gujarat government's initiative?
The initiative is aimed at over 75 lakh ration card holders, specifically targeting Antyodaya and BPL families.
What commodities will be distributed?
Families will receive additional sugar and cooking oil at subsidized rates, along with other staples like chana and tur dal.
When will the distribution begin?
The distribution will commence in early August.
How much will families pay for the oil and sugar?
Each family will pay Rs 100 for a litre of cooking oil and Rs 22 per kg for sugar for BPL families.
What is the aim of this initiative?
The initiative aims to ensure that underprivileged families can celebrate Janmashtami with dignity and joy.
