Guwahati: Assam Finance Minister Ajanta Neog has announced new benefits aimed at enhancing food security and supporting tea garden communities in the state.

Presenting the Assam Budget 2025-2026, Neog announced additional benefits for National Food Security Act (NFSA) beneficiaries and a one-time financial assistance for tea garden workers.

From October 2025, NFSA ration card holders will receive 1 kg of Masur Dal, 1 kg of Sugar, and 1 kg of Salt at subsidized rates.

However, she added that families with more than five members will receive an additional 1 kg of Masur Dal.

Initial subsidy rates are set at Rs 25 per kg for Masur Dal, Rs 20 per kg for Sugar, and Rs 10 per kg for Salt, with rates adjustable based on price indices.

She informed that Assembly that the c ommission and transportation costs will be covered for Fair Price Shops.

This initiative aims to ensure every household has access to essential nutrition at an affordable cost, with an additional allocation of Rs 370 crore in the budget, she added.

She added that around 6.8 lakh existing tea garden workers, including casual and permanent workers, will receive a one-time financial assistance of Rs 5,000 each.

A budget of Rs 342 crore has been allocated for this purpose.