Ration card holders to get essential items like sugar, pulses salt at very subsidized rates: CM

CM Dr. Sarma distributes sanction letters of PMAY-G to beneficiaries

Strengthening the State government’s commitment to social security and ensuring housing for all, Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma today started the process of distributing  3,88,358 sanction letters under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G) when he ceremoniously presented 10 sanction letters to 10 beneficiaries at a central function held at Rampur, in Palashbari today. 

            It may be noted that with the distribution at Palashbari, Chief Minister Dr. Sarma started the proceeding of distributing the PMAY-G sanction letters to the beneficiaries across the state. As a part of the initiative, the first instalment Rs. 37,500/ are to be credited to the bank accounts of the beneficiaries to help them construction of their pucca houses.

            Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Dr. Sarma said that with the distribution of the PMAY-G sanction letters, State government has taken a decisive step to ensure that ‘Housing for all does not remain a vision, it becomes a reality’. He said, “We aim to complete the target of 26 lakh PMAY houses in the coming days and make the provision for 15 lakh additional homes to ensure every poor in Assam has his or her own pucca house”.

            The Chief Minister said that housing needs of the people have always been a commitment of the government and through PMAY, State government is prioritizing this needs of the people. He also said that with the distribution of 3,88,358 sanction letters, government will be able to meet the needs of the people and serve them. Dr. Sarma however, said that those whose names have not figured in the beneficiaries’ list should not be disheartened, as the government is initiating ‘Awas Plus Survey’ from March 17 to 26. The survey will be carried out by the Jeevika Sakhis of the government to identify the prospective beneficiaries of the scheme. Interested applicants can also verify their AADHAR via e-kyc to carry out self-verification free of cost. He on the occasion appealed to all not to fall prey to any middle men as the government is rolling out the entire process very transparently as the beneficiaries do not have to pay a single penny to get their houses allotted in their names.

            Specifying State government’s list of welfare schemes, which have direct bearings to ease of living, Chief Minister Dr. Sarma said that his government in the coming months will enhance the number of beneficiaries of ‘Orunodoi’ scheme. As a result from the existing 26 lakh beneficiaries, the number of beneficiaries will go up to 37 lakh.

He also said that from now onwards every ration card holders will be entitled to sugar, pulses and salt at subsidized rates. For sugar and pulses, State government will give Rs. 25 as subsidy for every kilogram.

For salt, the quantum of subsidy will be Rs. 10 per kg. With regard to Mukhya Mantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan, the Chief Minister said that State government will spend Rs. 3200 crore for the scheme to lend empowerment to the women. He said that under the scheme eligible women will be given Rs. 10 thousand in the first instalment. He further said that if the women utilize the amount properly, government will grant them additional Rs. 25 thousand of which half will be borne by the State government. He also said that his government will start giving Rs. 10 each to the women beneficiaries belonging to self help groups under the scheme from April 1 at a programme to be held at Behali. 

            Additional Chief Secretary P&RD Dr. J.B. Ekka gave the welcome address in the programme which was also addressed by Panchayat and Rural Development Minister Ranjeet Kumar Dass, MLA Palashbari Hemang Thakuia. Commissioner P&RD Kerthi Jalli, DC Kamrup Deba Kumar Mishra and host of other dignitaries were present on the occasion.