Agartala, Tripura, 29th of August, 2025 : The State Government has taken initiatives to make the Public Distribution System (PDS) stronger and more people-centric. This was stated yesterday by the Hon’ble Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Transport and Tourism minister Sushanta Chowdhury, at a state-level meeting held with all stakeholders associated with the PDS at Rabindra Satabarshiki Bhavan Hall No. 1. The meeting was attended by officials of different levels of the department, ration dealers, and transport contractors. Inaugurating the program, Minister Sushanta Chowdhury said that for the convenience of consumers, PVC ration cards are being introduced in place of old ration cards. Distribution of these PVC ration cards has started today. In the first phase, 4,78,000 PVC cards have been prepared. Ration dealers will distribute these cards through small local functions in the presence of public representatives.
He said that Tripura ranks first among the Northeastern states in terms of the PDS, and stands third or fourth at the national level. At present, Tripura has achieved 81% success in e-KYC. The target is to reach 100%, so that Tripura can secure the top rank in the country. He also emphasized that ration shops must maintain the quality of items, and ensure timely procurement and supply of food grains. In the first phase, 600 ration shops are being converted into model ration shops. Earlier, dealers used to get a commission of 143 for the Antyodaya Anna Yojana and Priority Groups, which has now been increased to 180.
The Minister also said that every effort must be made to avoid any negative issues in the PDS. The aim is to make the system more transparent and efficient. The meeting was organized with this objective. He added that the state government provides a subsidy of 25 per kg on lentils and 15 per kg on sugar. During the upcoming Durga Puja festival, consumers will be provided with flour, refined flour, and semolina.
Participating in the discussion, Special Secretary of the Department Debapriya Bardhan, said that this meeting was organized to further improve the functioning of ration shops and the PD system. He said that the goal is to supply ration items with full transparency. He also mentioned that consumers can register complaints through the Mera Ration App and Anna Sahayata App. The welcome address was delivered by Sumit Lodh, Director of the Department of Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs. Among those present were Sub-Divisional Magistrate Manik Lal Das (Sadar Sub-Division), Subhash Dutta (Mohanpur Sub-Division), and Animesh Dhar (Jirania Sub-Division). On this occasion, the Minister and other guests handed over the new PVC ration cards to consumers and ration dealers.
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