Ration cardholders to get subsidised essential items
Staff Reporter
GUWAHATI: 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) today when he ceremoniously presented 10 sanction letters to as many beneficiaries at a central function held at Rampur. The initiative aims to provide financial assistance for the construction of pucca houses, significantly improving living conditions for the rural population. During the event, the Chief Minister emphasized the government’s dedication to empowering the underprivileged and fostering sustainable development across Assam.
With the distribution at Palasbari, the Chief Minister started the proceedings of distributing the PMAY-G sanction letters to the beneficiaries across the state. As a part of the initiative, the first instalment of Rs. 37,500 is to be credited to the bank accounts of the beneficiaries to help them with the construction of their pucca houses.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that with the distribution of the PMAY-G sanction letters, the 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 person 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, the state government is prioritizing these needs of the people. He also said that with the distribution of 3,88,358 sanction letters, the 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 the ‘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 middlemen, 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 the state government’s list of welfare schemes, which have direct bearings on ease of living, the Chief Minister said that his government in the coming months will enhance the number of beneficiaries of the ‘Orunodoi’ scheme. As a result of 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 holder will be entitled to sugar, pulses and salt at subsidised rates. For sugar and pulses, the state government will give Rs. 25 as a 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 the state government will spend Rs. 3,200 crore for the scheme to lend empowerment to the women. He said that under the scheme eligible women will be given Rs. 10,000 in the first instalment. He further said that if the women utilise the amount properly, the government will grant them an additional Rs. 25,000, of which half will be borne by the state government. He also said that his government will start giving Rs. 10,000 each to the women beneficiaries belonging to self-help groups under the scheme from April 1 at a programme to be held at Behali.
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