The onset of the pandemic has brought to light several issues. While the death of thousands either through disease or lack of finances and nutrition is now a piece of everyday news, there are state governments trying to find a lucrative solution to the problem and save as many lives as they possibly can.

In order to help with the situation and bring a sigh of relief to the lives of people in Assam, the state government has announced a new Affordable Nutrition and Nourishment Assistance (ANNA) yojana for poor people. Under this scheme, the state government aims to strengthen food security among people and it is said to impact the lives of 59 lakh households in Assam.

Objectives of the scheme

The main purpose of the scheme is to serve the poor citizens of Assam, especially children and women nutritious and timely meals every day. Rice is a staple for the people of Assam, and therefore, the government is offering the commodity at lower prices under a specific food subsidization programme, which basically is a big step towards making sure that the health of the citizens is at the forefront of governmental schemes.

Implementation of the ANNA scheme

The main aim of the ANNA scheme is to provide rice to the people of Assam at subsidized rates. The state government promised the people and is offering rice to the people at ₹1 per kilogram at first, and later on, it was made completely free for all beneficiaries under the National Food security act.

The state government clearly does not intend to stop at just offering free rice. The Assam state government has even gone beyond the mandate of the National Food Security Act’s provision of offering rice at ₹3 per kg to the people. This simple move has immensely benefitted roughly about 59 lakh families in the state and the total amount of subsidy value offered under this scheme stands to be a whopping ₹767.98 crores.

Over the year, this subsidy has helped households at least put up some meal for their family members, thereby keeping them from being starved, which only makes this pandemic all the more unbearable.

Wrapping it up

For the people of Assam, things might have already seemed bleak, as jobs and opportunities were both scarce up northeast. The onset of the pandemic ensured that family members who left their houses and worked in Metro cities also lost their jobs and that just made living all the more difficult.

With free rice offered, people at least have one worry off of their heads – a growling belly. By having enough to put together as a meal, people will sleep with fuller bellies and get through the pandemic in a much better manner.

And while authorities are trying to put together a vaccination campaign to help the people fight COVID-19, such schemes will help people maintain – if not enhance – their immunity to keep the disease at bay for as long as they can.