Tripura govt to distribute flour, semolina, sugar free to 9.90 lakh families for Durga Puja

Ahead of the festive season, the Tripura government would provide flour, semolina (suji) and sugar to 9.90 lakh ration cardholder families free of cost in view of Durga Puja festival.

Announcing the decision on Saturday, Food and Civil Supplies Minister Sushanta Chowdhury  said that the state government would give two kg of flour, one kg of sugar and 500 grams of semolina (suji) freely to 9.90 lakh ration cardholders during Durga Puja festival.

Earlier the state government sold these items along with other essentials at subsidised rates but from last year in view of the Durga Puja festival, these three items would be given to the ration card holders for free.

According to the official release, the initiative has been undertaken under the guidance of Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha and with the efforts of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Sushanta Chowdhury. Similar to last year, the supplies will be distributed through the Public Distribution System (PDS) before Durga Puja.

Food and Civil Supplies and Transport Minister Sushanta Chowdhury said that the government would spend Rs 7 crore to provide 896 MT of semolina, 1982 MT of flour and 990 MT of sugar-free of cost to 9.90 lakh ration cardholder families. As per the plan, each ration cardholder will receive 500 grams of suji, 2 kg of wheat, and 1 kg of sugar.

Breakdown of the expenditure shows Rs 0.65 crore for suji distribution, Rs 2.58 crore for wheat, Rs 3.18 crore for sugar, and Rs 0.60 crore for logistics.

“This is a humble gift to the people of Tripura during the auspicious days of Durga Puja. The government has urged all cardholders to collect their allocations on time and cooperate with ration dealers to ensure smooth and hassle-free distribution,” said a statement issued by the Food department.

The initiative, described as a people-oriented step, aims to ease household expenses during the festive season and bring joy to families across the state.