In a major festive-season welfare initiative, the Tripura government has launched a free distribution programme of essential food items for ration cardholder families across the state, aiming to ensure that the joy of Sharadotsav and Diwali reaches households across all sections of society.
Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Sushanta Chowdhury formally inaugurated the programme by distributing food items among beneficiaries at Fair Price Shop No. 61, located near Pragati Vidyalaya in Agartala.
Under the initiative, eligible ration cardholders will receive two kilograms of flour, one kilogram of sugar and 500 grams of semolina free of cost. The scheme is part of the state government's continued efforts to provide additional assistance to families during major festivals and make celebrations more accessible to economically vulnerable sections.
According to the minister, approximately 92,000 ration cardholder families are expected to benefit from the initiative, which involves an estimated expenditure of around Rs 9 crore. While flour and sugar will be distributed among all eligible beneficiaries, semolina will be provided specifically to families under the Antyodaya, Priority and Below Poverty Line (BPL) categories, in accordance with the scheme's provisions.
Chowdhury said the state government had continued similar welfare measures in previous years to ensure that the benefits of festive celebrations reach families irrespective of their economic circumstances. He also referred to earlier initiatives undertaken during occasions such as Eid-ul-Fitr, when essential food items were distributed to eligible ration cardholders.
Emphasising the government's commitment to public welfare, the minister said the initiative was intended to bring smiles to people's faces during the festive season by extending support beyond the regular supply of essential commodities through the public distribution system.
He also expressed his gratitude to Chief Minister Manik Saha and Finance Minister Pranajit Singha Roy for their support in implementing the programme. Chowdhury further appreciated the officials and staff of the Food Department for their efforts in ensuring the smooth commencement of the distribution process.
The minister expressed confidence that the distribution would be completed across the state within the stipulated timeframe, enabling eligible families to receive the benefits ahead of the festive celebrations.
