West Bengal will sell sugar, wheat and suji at half their market price to about 2.12 crore ration-card families during the Durga Puja season, state Food Minister Ashok Kirtania announced on Friday.

Under the festive package, each family will get 1 kg of sugar, 1 kg of wheat and 250 g of suji at 50 per cent below market rates, according to the minister’s statement reported by the Times of India.

The state government has set aside Rs 150 crore for the package. The Food and Supplies Department said the move will make essential items cheaper for ration beneficiaries during the festive season.

Last year, the government gave only a 10 per cent discount to about 78 lakh families holding Antyodaya Anna Yojana and SPHH cards. This year’s package covers far more card categories.

The minister said the government had first considered giving the items free, but chose the 50 per cent discount after reviewing the state’s finances. Free distribution may be considered in future if funds allow.