The Assam government will begin distributing subsidised masur dal and sugar to beneficiaries under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) from August, with the subsidy linked to prevailing market prices, Finance Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah announced while presenting the 2026-27 State Budget on Thursday.
Baruah said the decision was taken in response to the sharp rise in the prices of essential commodities, which he attributed to the ongoing crisis in West Asia.
“Our Government will start distribution of subsidised Masur Dal and Sugar to NFSA ration card holders from August. As prices of these essential commodities have risen due to the West Asia crisis, the subsidy amount shall be variable and linked to market prices,” he said.
Under the proposed system, the subsidy will be adjusted in line with fluctuations in market prices instead of remaining fixed, ensuring continued relief for beneficiaries amid inflation.
The Finance Minister also announced that the government would examine the feasibility of including mustard oil in the subsidised basket in the future.
He said priority would be given to promoting locally produced mustard oil, with the initiative aimed at supporting Assam’s farmers while strengthening the state’s agricultural economy.
The scheme is expected to benefit lakhs of NFSA ration card holders across Assam by reducing the impact of rising food prices while encouraging the production and consumption of locally sourced agricultural products.
