Guwahati | The Assam government on Monday resumed the distribution of red lentils (masoor dal) and sugar at subsidised rates, restarting a key welfare programme that had been delayed amid the devastating floods in Upper Assam.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma relaunched the scheme at Raha in Nagaon district, announcing that salt would be added to the subsidised basket within the next few days, while mustard oil would also be introduced as part of the expanded welfare package.

Addressing the gathering, Sarma said beneficiaries would be able to access free rice and subsidised sugar and dal during the first 10 days of every month under the government’s Anna Seva Saptah initiative.

“We are not able to provide salt now due to some issues, but eventually you will get it within a few days. Every month, from the 1st to the 10th, during Anna Seva Saptah, you can avail free rice and sugar and dal at subsidised rates,” Sarma said.

He added that mustard oil and salt would subsequently be included in the distribution programme.

Floods delayed welfare schemes

Sarma attributed the delay in rolling out the welfare measures to the severe flood situation in Upper Assam following the state government’s return after the Assembly elections.

“After the government came following the election, we had to witness the flood situation in Upper Assam, due to which our focus had to be shifted there. This led to a few delays,” he said.

The Chief Minister said several government schemes had remained temporarily suspended because the Budget Session had not been underway after the elections. He said the government had already announced that the schemes would be restarted following the Budget Session in July.

The government relaunched the Orunodoi Asoni on August 1, followed by the Nijut Babu and Nijut Moina schemes on August 6. The subsidised distribution of sugar and masoor dal resumed on Monday.

Scheme covers nearly 70 lakh families

According to Sarma, the subsidised food distribution programme currently benefits around 70 lakh families across Assam, covering approximately 2.48 crore people. In Nagaon district, around 3,85,299 families, covering nearly 15.83 lakh people, are beneficiaries of the scheme.

In Raha alone, 61,614 families, representing around 2.36 lakh people, are covered under the programme. The Chief Minister said the government would continue to expand support for economically weaker sections and strengthen welfare measures in the coming days.

The latest announcement comes as flood-affected areas of Upper Assam continue to grapple with damage to homes, agricultural land and infrastructure, as well as disruptions to supply chains and rising prices of essential commodities. With the government now restarting its welfare programmes in phases, the addition of salt and mustard oil is expected to further widen the subsidised food basket available to beneficiaries.

The government has said the measures are aimed at providing greater support to economically vulnerable families while ensuring access to essential food items at affordable prices.