Agartala: The Tripura government has introduced PVC ration cards to replace old paper-based ones, marking a major step towards making the public distribution system (PDS) more transparent and consumer-friendly. Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Sushanta Chowdhury launched the initiative on August 28 during a state-level discussion with officials, ration dealers, and transport contractors.
In the first phase, 4.78 lakh PVC cards have been prepared, which will be distributed through ration dealers in small functions attended by local public representatives. Chowdhury said the move is aimed at consumer convenience and improving service delivery.
Highlighting Tripura’s achievements, he noted that the state ranks first in the Northeast and among the top four in the country in PDS performance. “We have already achieved 81 percent success in e-KYC. Our target is to reach 100 percent so that Tripura becomes number one in the country,” he said.
The government is also converting 600 ration outlets into model shops in the first phase and has increased dealer commissions under Antyodaya Anna Yojana and the Priority Group from Rs 143 to Rs 180. Chowdhury stressed timely supply and quality assurance, adding that the government provides a subsidy of Rs 25 per kilo on lentils and Rs 15 per kilo on sugar. Consumers will also get atta, flour, and semolina during the Durga festival.
Special Secretary Debapriya Bardhan said the discussion was held to strengthen the functioning of ration shops across the state, ensuring efficiency and transparency. Consumers can also lodge complaints via the Mera Ration App and Anna Sahayati App.
As part of the launch, new PVC ration cards were ceremonially handed over to dealers and consumers by the Minister and other dignitaries.
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