COVID-19 impact: Free rice to 58 lakh families in Assam under National Food Security Act

SLEW of Cabinet decisions

Staff Reporter

GUWAHATI: In the wake of COVID-19, the Assam Cabinet has taken a slew of decisions for the poor, including free-of-cost rice to 58 lakh families under the National Food Security Act (NFSA). All the decisions will be effective from April 1.

The Cabinet met on Monday and took the following decisions: Free of cost rice to as many as 58 lakh poor families of the State under the NFSA; 2.78 lakh registered labourers engaged in construction works will get Rs 1,000 as ex gratia; all trucks laden with food materials and fodder stranded at Srirampur Gate along the Assam-West Bengal border will be allowed to enter the State from April 1.

Besides, as many as 100 families in rural areas not covered by the NFSA with a population of 5,000 will get Rs 1,000 as ex gratia; 150 families in the area with a population of 10,000 will get Rs 1,000, and 200 families will get Rs 1,000 as ex gratia in areas having a population of over 10,000.

As many as 250 families from each ward of the GMC and 100 families from each ward of town committees of the State will get Rs 1,000 as ex gratia.

In the BTAD areas, Dima Hasao and Karbi Anglong, people not covered by the NFSA will get Rs 1,000 as ex gratia.

Repair and construction works of all embankments in the State will start from April 1.

Tea gardens can start plucking of green leaves and other activities from April 1 but with permission from their respective deputy commissioners and the Health Department.

Farmers can start their agricultural works from April 1, but have to follow the guidelines of the Health Department.

In accordance with the guidelines of the State Health Department, the deputy commissioners will fix the timing of grocery shops.

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