GUWAHATI: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma presided over the ceremonial distribution of ration cards to 42,85,745 new beneficiaries under the National Food Security Act (NFSA). The event took place at Boripara in Guwahati's Maligaon locality.
Addressing the gathering, CM Sarma expressed the government's commitment to achieving food security for all residents. The distribution event at Maligaon focused on beneficiaries from the Jalukbari constituency, with similar events simultaneously organized across the state.
Emphasizing the entitlement of every member of ration card-holder families to receive 5 kgs of rice monthly free of cost, Sarma highlighted that this benefit is available during the "anna sewa saptah," extending till January 31 for the current month. The addition of 42,85,745 beneficiaries in Assam is set to benefit another 10,73,489 families, he added.
CM Sarma announced an increase in the income limit for ration card eligibility from ₹2 lakh to ₹4 lakh. Ration card holders will now enjoy benefits such as Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, Ayushman Bharat, and Ayushman Asom healthcare schemes. He further revealed upcoming initiatives, including life insurance and accidental insurance coverage for ration cardholders.
The event was also attended by Members of Parliament Queen Ojha and Pabitra Margherita, Mayor of Guwahati Municipal Corporation Mrigen Sarania, and District Commissioner of Kamrup Metropolitan district Sumit Sattawan, among others.