The Union Cabinet on Thursday extended the subsidy on sugar distributed through ration shops to 1.89 crore families covered under ‘Antyodaya Anna Yojana’ (AAY) for 2 years.
Modi government has taken a big decision regarding sugar subsidy. The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday approved the extension of the sugar subsidy scheme distributed through the Public Distribution Scheme (PDS) for AAY families for two years till March 31, 2026. .
Under the scheme, the Central Government provides a subsidy of Rs 18.50 per kg per month on sugar to AAY families of the participating states. This approval is expected to yield benefits of more than Rs 1,850 crore during the 15th Finance Commission period (2020-21 to 2025-26). “The scheme eases access to sugar for the poorest of the poor and adds energy to their diets to improve their health,” an official statement said.
Provision of free ration under PMGKAY
The Government of India is already providing free ration under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY). The statement said that the sale of ‘Bharat Atta’, ‘Bharat Dal’ and tomatoes and onions at affordable and fair prices are measures to ensure adequate food in the plates of citizens beyond PM-GKAY.
These items are available at affordable prices
So far, about 3 lakh tonnes of gram dal and about 2.4 lakh tonnes of flour have been sold, which has benefited the common consumers. Thus, the availability of subsidized pulses, flour and sugar has provided complete food to the common citizen of the country, thereby fulfilling Modi’s guarantee of ‘food for all, nutrition for all’, the statement said. Is.
States are responsible for purchasing and distributing sugar.
With this approval, the government will continue to provide subsidy to participating states for distribution of sugar to AAY families through PDS at the rate of 1 kg per family per month. It is the responsibility of the states to purchase and distribute sugar.