The State Government distributed ration cards to 42,85,745 new beneficiaries under the National Food Security Act in a 10-day period starting January 16. The distribution of ration cards was held in every Assembly constituency of the State during the period.
Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma attended the ceremonial distribution of ration cards to new beneficiaries at an event held at Boripara area under greater Maligaon in Guwahati on the opening day.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Minister said that additionally 10,73,489 families will benefit from the scheme. He said that the addition of over 42 lakh beneficiaries under NFSA is a milestone in the State Government’s quest for achieving food security for all its residents. He said every member of ration card-holder families are entitled to 5 kg of rice every month free of cost. Dr Sarma said this facility is available every month during the “Anna Sewa Saptah”. For the month of January, the scheme was availed by new beneficiaries till the 31st through the public distribution network.
Speaking about social sector schemes such as Antyodaya Anna Yojana, the Chief Minister said those belonging to the disadvantaged sections of the society are being given special attention by the Narendra Modi-led Government at the Centre.
He said that the income limit to hold ration cards has been doubled to ₹4 lakh from the previous figure of ₹2 lakh. The new beneficiaries under NFSA will be eligible to avail medical facilities in empanelled hospitals for ₹5 lakh under Ayushman Bharat and Ayushman Asom healthcare scheme of the Government.
The Chief Minister also attended the ceremonial distribution of ration cards to new beneficiaries under NFS Act at Mazbat constituency in Udalguri district on January 21; Dergaon constituency in Golaghat district and in Jorhat constituency on January 23 and Nazira constituency in Sivasagar district on January 24.
At Nazira, during the ceremonial distribution of ration cards to new beneficiaries under NFS Act, the Chief Minister said that the possibility of enrolment of ration card holders under accidental deaths insurance and life insurance is also being explored. Dr Sarma said that he aspires to see all ration card holders included as beneficiaries of Orunodoi scheme by 2026.
