The Assam government has announced a two-month suspension of subsidised pulses, sugar, and salt distribution under the public distribution system (PDS). The decision was communicated on Monday, as the state operates under a vote-on-account budget following the recent assembly elections.
Reason for Suspension
The food, public distribution and consumer affairs department clarified that the state is currently under a vote-on-account, and the full budget for 2026–27 will be presented by the new government in July. “The new government will present a full budget in July, and after its passage, the scheme will restart from August,” the department stated.
Impact on Beneficiaries
According to a newspaper advertisement, the distribution of masoor dal, sugar, and salt—previously provided at subsidised rates—has been halted for two months starting June. However, the government assured that the monthly distribution of free rice will continue uninterrupted. Additionally, if fair price shops have leftover stocks of these items after May’s distribution, they will be provided to poor families in June.
Budget Context
In February, ahead of the assembly elections, then finance minister Ajanta Neog presented an interim budget seeking a vote-on-account of Rs 62,294.78 crore. This allowed the government to meet essential expenditures until the full budget is introduced.
This suspension aims to manage expenses during the interim period, with the scheme expected to resume in August after the new government passes the full budget.
