GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 2nd Feb. The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the extension of the sugar subsidy scheme for Antyodya Anna Yojna (AAY) families distributed through the Public Distribution Scheme (PDS) for an additional two years, until 31 March 2026.
This decision reflects the unwavering commitment of the Central Government to the well-being of the country’s citizens, particularly the poorest of the poor. The scheme aims to provide access to sugar for those in need, improving their diet and overall health.
Under the scheme, the Central Government provides a subsidy of Rs. 18.50 per kg per month of sugar to AAY families in participating states. This approval is expected to provide benefits worth over Rs. 1850 crore during the 15th Finance Commission period (2020-21 to 2025-26) and is estimated to benefit approximately 1.89 crore AAY families across the country.
The Government of India is already providing free ration under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojna (PM-GKAY). Additionally, measures such as the sale of affordable and fair-priced ‘Bharat Atta’, ‘Bharat Dal’, tomatoes, and onions are being taken to ensure an adequate food supply for all citizens, beyond the PM-GKAY. So far, approximately 3 lakh tons of Bharat Dal (Chana dal) and 2.4 lakh tons of Bharat Atta have been sold, benefiting ordinary consumers. Therefore, the availability of subsidized dal, atta, and sugar completes the food requirements for the common citizens of India, fulfilling Modi ki Guarantee of ‘Food for All, Nutrition for All’.
With this approval, the Government will continue to provide subsidies to participating states for the distribution of sugar to AAY families through the PDS, at a rate of one kg per family per month. It is the responsibility of the states to procure and distribute the sugar.
