Guwahati, June 1: The Assam government has announced the temporary suspension of its “Affordable Supply of Masur Dal, Sugar and Salt” scheme from June, citing the ongoing Vote-on-Account Budget arrangement. The programme is expected to resume after the full state budget is passed by the newly constituted government.
The announcement was made by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who stated that the subsidised distribution scheme would remain on hold until the approval of the complete budget by the state legislature.
According to the update shared by the Chief Minister’s Office, the scheme is scheduled to be reinstated from August following the passage of the full budget. The government indicated that the temporary suspension is linked to financial limitations under the Vote-on-Account mechanism, which allows expenditure on essential services until the regular budget is presented and approved.
Despite the suspension of the subsidised commodities programme, the state government clarified that the distribution of free rice under its food security initiative will continue without any disruption. Eligible beneficiaries will keep receiving their monthly allotment of free rice as usual.
The Affordable Supply of Masur Dal, Sugar and Salt scheme has been providing essential commodities at subsidised rates to eligible beneficiaries across Assam. The government assured that the programme will resume once the full budget secures legislative approval, enabling the continuation of the welfare measure for beneficiaries throughout the state.
The announcement comes as the government manages expenditure under the interim budget framework while preparing for the implementation of the full financial plan for the year.
