Northeast Desk, 9th October: In preparation for Durga Puja, the food and civil supply department of the Tripura government has announced the subsidized distribution of mustard oil in Public Distribution Shops (PDS) and the conversion of 600 such shops into modern ration shops.
Food and Civil Supply Minister Sushanta Chowdhury stated in a press conference that this marks the first time in Tripura that the food department will distribute mustard oil at a subsidized rate to over 9 lakh consumers holding ration cards as Durga Puja approaches.
The initiative, inaugurated by Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha, was part of the government’s election manifesto, promising to provide 1 litre of mustard oil at a subsidized rate four times a year per ration card. This initiative also includes 1 kg of masoor dal, 1 kg of sugar, 2 kg of flour, 500 grams of suji, and 500 grams of wheat, all provided at subsidized rates and placed inside a canvas bag provided by the government.
Additionally, the government plans to convert 600 ration shops into modern ration shops as per Central government guidelines. Each of these shops will receive Rs. 5000 for the conversion process, with a total allocation of Rs. 30 lakh from the department. The government will also provide Rs. 2000 as ex-gratia for Durga Puja to 635 laborers involved in the loading and unloading of PDS items in the food department. This initiative aims to enhance the shopping experience and convenience for consumers during Durga Puja festivities.