Tripura Food Minister Sushanta Chowdhury reviewed the free sugar, flour and suji distribution scheme for October and November, directing officials to ensure transparency, adequate ration shop supplies and timely delivery to nearly 9.92 lakh eligible families across the state.
Tripura Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Sushanta Chowdhury on Monday reviewed the distribution of free sugar, flour and semolina (suji) among ration card holders under the state government’s special festive assistance scheme for October and November. The minister directed officials to strengthen monitoring and ensure that all eligible families receive their allotted commodities within the stipulated timeframe.
The virtual review meeting was conducted from the minister’s official residence and attended by the Director of the Food Department, senior departmental officials and Sub-Divisional Magistrates from different parts of Tripura. The meeting examined the progress of distribution, availability of essential commodities at ration shops and measures to ensure uninterrupted delivery during the festive season.
During the review, Chowdhury emphasised transparency, accountability and effective implementation at every level. He instructed officials to closely monitor distribution activities and coordinate with field-level personnel to prevent delays, address logistical difficulties and ensure adequate stocks at ration outlets.
The minister said the government’s primary objective was to ensure that the benefits of welfare initiatives reached the intended beneficiaries without unnecessary delays. He also stressed that ration card holders should be able to collect their entitled commodities conveniently during the festive period.
The review comes amid political controversy over the availability of supplies at ration shops. Responding to allegations regarding shortages, Chowdhury had stated that a significant number of outlets had already received flour and semolina, while supplies to the remaining shops were being arranged. He rejected claims that the commodities were unavailable and urged people to assess the scheme’s implementation on the basis of verified information.
Under the Cabinet-approved initiative, each eligible ration card holder family will receive 2 kilograms of flour, 1 kilogram of sugar and 500 grams of suji free of cost.
The scheme provides flour and sugar to all ration card holders, including families under the Above Poverty Line (APL) category. However, the free semolina allocation is restricted to beneficiaries under the Antyodaya, Priority Household and Below Poverty Line (BPL) categories.
According to the Food Department, approximately 9.92 lakh ration card holder families across Tripura are expected to benefit from the programme. The initiative involves an estimated expenditure of around Rs. 9 crore, providing additional assistance to households during the festive season.
The department has also highlighted the role of local production and procurement in supporting the distribution programme. Flour and semolina are being produced within Tripura, while sugar is being procured from outside the state to meet the required demand.
The distribution drive has been scheduled to coincide with several major festivals, including Durga Puja, Lakshmi Puja, Kali Puja and Bhai Dooj. The additional food assistance is intended to help eligible families manage household expenses during a period when spending on food and celebrations often increases.
Officials reviewed the distribution position across different subdivisions and discussed coordination between district-level authorities, ration dealers and departmental personnel. Ensuring that all ration outlets receive sufficient quantities of the allotted commodities remains a key priority, particularly as demand rises during the festive period.
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Chowdhury reiterated that the government expected all concerned officials to discharge their responsibilities effectively. He directed the department to maintain regular oversight of the scheme and take appropriate steps wherever supply or distribution-related problems arise.
The minister said the government remained committed to public welfare and the timely delivery of essential benefits. The ongoing monitoring exercise is aimed at improving implementation and ensuring that the festive assistance programme reaches eligible ration card holders across Tripura as intended.
