Agartala , May 16, 2023, TRIPURATIMES Desk

Agartala, May 16: In a step towards strengthening the Public Distribution System, Tripura government on Tuesday launched distribution of spices through Fair Price shops.

Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha inaugurated the new project in presence of Minister for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs department Sushanta Chowdhury and other officials at Rabindra Satabarshiki Bhavan, Agartala.

Addressing the programme, the Chief Minister said under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the present state government is committed to ensuring various essential items up to the last man of the society through PDS at a subsidised price.

He said, The new initiative will largely benefit the people and the state government is also contemplating a plan to include mustard oil in the PDS.

The Chief Minister acknowledged the role of the ration dealers in distributing various essential items to the people. He also hinted that the state government is considering to introduce smart ration cards and health insurance for the ration dealers.

"Fou types of spices will be available in the ration shops. We are following the 'vocal for local' slogan of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, ensuring that local companies get benefits through e-tendering. We encourage the investors to invest in the state, as the connectivity has improved. We have also implemented various policies for investors. With the upcoming Maitri Setu and the development of national highways, as well as improved air connectivity, the face of Tripura will soon change. We are working towards building Shrestha Tripura," the Chief Minister said.

This was for the first time that the state government organized such a programme with the ration dealers from all eight districts. The Chief Minister hailed the initiative of the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs department.

M/s Annada Spices Industries has been assigned through e-tendering for supplying the Langtarai spices through PDS, the Food minister said.

Chowdhury noted the suggestions and other issues raised by the ration dealers in the programme and assured that the government would look into the proposals for ensuring better service.