Attention Ration Card Holders: 2 Crore Families to Get Sugar, Flour, and Semolina at Half Price

Ahead of the festive season, the government is making concerted efforts to provide relief to the public. As part of this initiative, the West Bengal government has taken steps to offer a discount of up to 50% on ration items for cardholders.

People are concerned about the rising prices of essential commodities as the festive season approaches. The government is striving to provide some relief in this regard. Recently, the West Bengal government took a significant step forward; it announced a decision to provide a 50% subsidy on sugar, flour (atta), and semolina (suji) to approximately two crore families.

The government will distribute these items through the Public Distribution System (PDS). Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced this initiative on Saturday.

Price at Which Items Will Be Available

While making the announcement, CM Suvendu Adhikari stated that in October, eligible families would receive 1 kg of sugar for ₹30 and 1 kg of flour for ₹19. Additionally, 500 grams of semolina will be available at a 50% subsidy. The government aims to ensure these items reach beneficiaries before Durga Puja. The tender process for procuring sugar and flour has been completed, while the procurement of semolina is currently underway. The price at which semolina will be provided will be announced later.

₹150 Crore Allocated for the Scheme

The Chief Minister stated that ₹150 crore has been allocated to the Food and Supplies Department to implement this scheme. He noted that this is a major step compared to the previous ration subsidy scheme. The earlier government used to provide 1 kg of sugar to about 50 lakh families at a 20% subsidy. Now, the government has expanded the scope of the scheme to include flour and semolina as well.

Government provides relief amidst rising prices

Food prices have been rising for some time now, with sugar prices, in particular, seeing a sharp increase. Following a surge of over 30% in sugar prices in recent weeks, the government stepped up market inspections and monitoring to curb hoarding and black marketing. The central government also tightened stock-holding limits for sugar traders to prevent hoarding and check the rise in prices.