Staff Reporter, Silchar: In a significant step toward strengthening food security, Assam’s Minister for Food, Public Distribution, and Consumer Affairs, Kaushik Rai, held a sensitization-cum-awareness programme with Fair Price Shop (FPS) dealers and GPSS bodies in Cachar at Ashirbad Bhaban, Silchar. The initiative prepares the district for the rollout of subsidised essential commodities starting October 1 next. Minister Rai announced that ration cardholders will receive masoor dal at ₹69/kg, sugar at ₹38/kg, and salt at ₹10/kg, along with free rice, through 1,764 FPS outlets. This rollout is part of a broader state-wide scheme that will cover 10 districts in October and the remaining 25 from November, benefiting over 60 lakh new NFSA beneficiaries. Emphasizing transparency, Rai said that e-POS-based biometric authentication will be mandatory for all FPSs to prevent leakages and ensure smooth delivery. “This is more than a scheme—it is a mission to uphold the dignity of every citizen,” he added, while praising Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma as “the best CM in Assam’s history.” The event saw participation from MLAs Dipayan Chakraborty, Nihar Ranjan Das, and Khalil Uddin Mazumdar, along with senior officials and community leaders. A high-level review meeting was later chaired by the Minister to assess district preparedness and direct officials to conduct field checks and address any operational challenges. The programme concluded with a pledge to deliver timely, transparent, and citizen-centric welfare, leaving no eligible household behind.
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