Assam Govt Announces Free Food Grains To Over 2.5 crore People By 2025

Guwahati: To ensure nutritional support for over 70 percent of its population, the Assam government has launched an initiative to include "previously excluded" individuals under the National Food Security Act (NFSA). Chief Minister Himanta Biswa announced that the process of adding new beneficiaries will be finished by November.

In a post on X, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said, “This initiative takes into account individuals previously excluded for not having Aadhaar, related to the issue of NRC biometric lock. All newly enlisted beneficiaries would be added to the Priority Household (PHH) category, ensuring that the most vulnerable receive essential support. The entire enrolment process is expected to conclude by November, further solidifying Assam's commitment to food security."

"A key highlight of this distribution effort is the introduction of Anna Sewa Din, a dedicated period from the 1st to the 10th of every month, earmarked specifically for the distribution of food grains. This innovative approach has led to numerous benefits, including timely disbursement, no pilferage, accurate record-keeping, and doorstep delivery for divyangjans," he added.

Chief Minister Sarma announced that with the inclusion of over 1.7 million new beneficiaries, along with nearly 200,000 individuals removed from the NRC and those within the state pool, Assam aims to ensure that more than 25 million people are eligible for free food grains by 2025.

This initiative reflects the Antyodaya approach, prioritizing the needs of the poor and marginalized communities. Chief Minister Sarma emphasized the government's commitment to providing every citizen with access to nutritious food, thereby fostering a healthier and more equitable future for all.