Relevance (UPSC): GS-II – Welfare Schemes, GS-II – Food Security

Why in the News?

The Government of Assam has launched a welfare initiative to provide masoor dal, sugar, and salt at subsidised rates to ration card beneficiaries under the Public Distribution System (PDS), aimed at easing household expenses and enhancing food access for over 72 lakh NFSA families.

Key Details of the Scheme

  • Announced by: Assam Chief Minister
  • Implementing Authority: Department of Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs, Government of Assam
  • Beneficiaries: NFSA ration card holders (~72 lakh families)
  • Effective Rollout: November 2025
  • Subsidised Prices:
    • Masoor dal – ₹69/kg
    • Sugar – ₹38/kg
    • Salt – ₹10/kg
  • Distribution: Through Fair Price Shops (FPS) with biometric verification
  • Financial Support: Subsidy borne by the state government
  • Choice-Based Purchase: Beneficiaries may buy one, two, or all three items

Significance

  • Enhances food and nutritional security by adding protein-rich dal to the PDS basket.
  • Eases financial burden amid rising food prices.
  • Promotes transparency through biometric authentication and reduces leakages.
  • Strengthens cooperative societies and FPS network for last-mile delivery.

Challenges

  • Fiscal strain due to recurring subsidies.
  • Supply and logistics issues affecting uniform availability.
  • Implementation gaps like delayed distribution or beneficiary exclusion.
  • Market distortion risk if subsidised goods affect private retail supply.

MCQ

Q1. Consider the following statements about Assam’s subsidised food scheme:

  1. Beneficiaries can choose to buy any or all of the subsidised items.
  2. Biometric authentication is mandatory for availing the benefits.
  3. The scheme is funded jointly by the Centre and the state government.

Options:

  • (a) 1 and 2 only
  • (b) 2 and 3 only
  • (c) 1 and 3 only
  • (d) 1, 2, and 3

Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only

Key Takeaways

  • Supports nutritional security by including protein and essential items in PDS.
  • Uses technology (biometric verification) to ensure transparency.
  • Focuses on affordability and inclusion for NFSA beneficiaries.

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