Assam to deliver ration at doorstep of elderly, specially abled beneficiaries: CM Himanta Biswa Sarma
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday announced that the state government will introduce doorstep delivery of foodgrains under the Public Distribution System (PDS) for elderly citizens and persons with disabilities who are unable to visit fair price shops to collect their monthly ration.
Announcing the initiative through a post on social media platform X, Sarma said the move aims to ensure that no eligible beneficiary is deprived of food security due to age, disability or mobility-related challenges.
“For elderly citizens and Divyangjans who are unable to collect their ration, we will take Anna Sewa to their doorsteps. Serving every deserving family is the essence of Jan Sewa and we remain resolute in fulfilling this commitment,” the Chief Minister said.
Sarma also tagged Assam Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Kaushik Rai in his post, indicating that the department would oversee the implementation of the initiative.
The doorstep ration delivery programme is aimed at benefiting elderly persons living alone, individuals with severe physical disabilities and other eligible beneficiaries who face difficulties in travelling to fair price shops for collecting their monthly foodgrain quota.
The state government said the initiative is part of its efforts to strengthen welfare delivery systems and improve access to essential services for vulnerable sections of society.
Officials said the programme is expected to benefit thousands of eligible beneficiaries in both rural and urban areas by ensuring the timely delivery of subsidised foodgrains at their doorstep.
The move aligns with the provisions of the National Food Security Act (NFSA), under which eligible households receive subsidised foodgrains through the PDS, with state governments responsible for ensuring effective distribution.
With this initiative, Assam joins the list of states adopting doorstep delivery mechanisms to make welfare schemes more accessible, particularly for senior citizens and persons with disabilities, while promoting inclusive governance and food security.
