New Delhi: The Union government on Thursday approved a sugar subsidy extension under the Antyodya Anna Yojna (AAY) for two more years, that is, till March 2026. The Union Cabinet-approved subsidy be made available to families through the Public Distribution System (PDS), IANS reported.
Under the scheme, the central government gives a subsidy of Rs 18.50 per kg per month of sugar to AAY families of participating states. The Prime Minister-chaired-Union Cabinet's approval is expected to extend benefits of more than Rs 1,850 crore during the period of the 15th Finance Commission (2020-21 to 2025-26). The scheme is expected to benefit about 1.89 crore AAY families in the country.
"The scheme facilitates access of sugar to the poorest of the poor and adds energy to their diet so that their health improves," an official statement said.
The government of India is already giving free rations under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojna (PM-GKAY). Sale of 'Bharat Atta', 'Bharat Dal' and tomatoes and onions at affordable and fair prices are the measures to ensure sufficient food on the plates of the citizens beyond PM-GKAY, the statement added.
So far, about 3 lakh tonnes of Chana dal and about 2.4 lakh tonnes of Atta have already been sold, benefiting ordinary consumers. Thus, the availability of subsidised dal, Atta, and sugar has provided food for the common citizens of India, fulfilling Modi ki's Guarantee of 'Food for All, Nutrition for All', the statement added.
With this approval, the government will continue giving subsidies to the participating states for the distribution of sugar to AAY families through PDS at the rate of one kg per family per month. States are responsible for procuring and distributing sugar.