Free rice distribution to continue: CM Himanta Biswa Sarma

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has assured that free rice distribution will not be stopped.

The national executive meeting of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was held on Sunday in which BJP national president JP Nadda was present. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, BJP State president Bhabesh Kalita and other executive members took part in the meeting virtually.

Talking to media persons after the meeting, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that party national president JP Nadda had expressed happiness over the party's performance in the bye-elections in Assam, Telengana, Madhya Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. The party's central leadership is satisfied with the bye-election results in Assam, said the Chief Minister. "I had talked to Prime Minister Narendra Modi over phone regarding the bye-poll results and he asked me to thank the people of Assam on his behalf," said Sarma.

The Chief Minister assured that free rice distribution under Anna Suraksha Yojana by the Central and State governments would continue. However, the special Rs 5 per kg rice under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PM-GKAY) that was being distributed, would be stopped as the scheme was only from April to November.

Regarding militants who were willing to surrender and join the mainstream, the Chief Minister said, "Militants who wish to surrender must be provided basic facilities by the government or they will not join the mainstream. For the sake of peace, the government will provide them basic facilities so that they can lead a life of dignity after joining the mainstream. However, legal action will be taken against them. The government will not interfere in this matter."

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