Agartala, Nov 20, 2024, TRIPURATIMES Desk

Agartala, Nov 20: The Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs Minister of the state, Sushanta Chowdhury, addressed the media on Wednesday to clarify the situation regarding the absence of free flour distribution during the Durga Puja festivities in Khowai. Amidst allegations of a "flour scam," Chowdhury dismissed the claims, stating that the issue was due to a space shortage, which prevented the storage of the required flour for distribution.

Chowdhury explained that the state government had decided to distribute 500 grams of suji, 2 kilograms of flour, and 1 kilogram of sugar free of charge to families holding one of the state’s 9.84 lakh ration cards. However, due to logistical constraints in Khowai, they were unable to distribute flour during the festival. Chowdhury also mentioned that the government has announced the distribution of 10 kilograms of rice to each ration card holder for the months of October and November.

The minister strongly emphasized that the non-distribution of flour in Khowai should not be interpreted as a scandal. He highlighted that previous governments may have been involved in corrupt practices, but under the BJP-led government, such issues would not occur. Chowdhury reassured the public that there was no wrongdoing and that the government was committed to providing necessary support to the people.