Guwahati, Dec 16: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma launched the first phase of the distribution of new ration cards under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) across 49 newly included legislative assembly constituencies on Sunday. The ceremony was held at the Sarusajai Sports Complex in Guwahati.
During the event, CM Sarma distributed ration cards to 14,328 beneficiaries from 4,535 families in the 36 Guwahati Central Legislative Assembly Constituency and 16,411 beneficiaries from 4,759 families in the 37 Jalukbari Constituency. This distribution is a part of the state government’s initiative to ensure food security for its most vulnerable citizens.
Sarma reiterated the state’s commitment to providing consistent food access to its residents, noting that the NFSA, implemented in Assam in December 2015, now benefits approximately 2.51 crore people. He emphasized that 85% of rural residents and 60% of urban residents in Assam are entitled to ration cards under the scheme.
The Chief Minister also praised the “One Nation, One Ration Card” scheme, which allows beneficiaries to collect their ration from any location across the country. He stressed the importance of collecting ration cards between the 1st and 10th of each month and assured that stringent measures are in place to prevent fraudulent claims.
Sarma shared that in the fiscal year 2023-24, 42,85,745 new beneficiaries have been added, with over 52 lakh people benefiting from newly issued ration cards in January alone. The government plans to distribute 20 lakh new ration cards, with 7 lakh individuals in the 49 constituencies receiving their cards in this phase, ensuring the distribution of 35 lakh kilograms of rice. The remaining 19,92,167 beneficiaries will receive their cards by the end of the month.
The Chief Minister also highlighted various benefits for ration cardholders, including free medical treatment of up to Rs 5 lakh under the Ayushman Bharat and Ayushman Assam schemes. He mentioned the expansion of the Orunodoi scheme, which provides financial assistance to vulnerable families, and assured that previously excluded groups, such as daily-wage workers and retired government employees, would now be included in the distribution process.
Sarma further introduced the Mukhyamantri Udyamita Scheme, which will offer Rs 10,000 to members of self-help groups to promote entrepreneurship.
Concluding his address, CM Sarma reaffirmed the government’s commitment to transparency in welfare schemes and urged students to focus on their education to secure better career opportunities.
