Agartala: The Food and Civil Supplies department of Tripura has commenced the distribution of subsidized mustard oil through government fair price shops. The initiative was inaugurated by Food and Civil Supplies Minister Sushanta Chowdhury in a symbolic event at an Agartala-based ration shop near Meher Kalibari.
Addressing the media, Minister Chowdhury stated, “Efforts to discredit the government have been thwarted. Certain political factions attempted to mislead consumers before Durga Puja, claiming that the government was only providing empty bags instead of essential food items as promised. Today, it’s clear that each beneficiary is receiving canvas bags free of charge as a gesture of respect.”
According to the Minister, the decision to provide these bags was made on October 10. However, most consumers had already collected their monthly rations, which included items like rice, wheat flour, and sugar at subsidized rates. He added, “Opposition parties attempted to link the distribution of empty bags with an imaginary scam they concocted.”
Minister Chowdhury also informed the media that all beneficiaries registered with 2,056 fair price shops across the state would receive discounted mustard oil before Diwali (Deepavali). “Three companies—Imami, Engine, and our local brand Longtharai owned by Annada—have been awarded contracts to supply mustard oil at a fixed price of Rs 128 per one-liter pouch. The state government has further applied a subsidy of Rs 15, making it more affordable. Beneficiaries can obtain mustard oil at Rs 113 from these ration shops.”
He further explained that mustard oil distribution will occur four times a year during festive seasons, with a substantial expenditure of Rs 14 crore allocated for each of these four seasons for the mustard oil subsidy.
