Tripura’s Food and Civil Supplies Minister, Sushanta Chowdhury, addressed the media in Agartala on Wednesday, shedding light on significant cabinet decisions concerning recruitment, public distribution, and recent political developments.
Cabinet Approves Recruitment in 153 Posts
Minister Chowdhury announced that the state council of ministers has sanctioned the recruitment of 153 personnel across the Education, Food, and Civil Supplies departments. As part of this decision, 118 vacancies for Post Graduate Teacher (Computer Science) positions will be filled through a formal written examination, to be conducted by the Teachers’ Recruitment Board, Tripura (TRBT). The selected candidates will be assigned to Vidya Jyoti Schools, enhancing the quality of education in the state.
Furthermore, the minister confirmed that 35 senior guards will be recruited under the Food and Civil Supplies department to strengthen the administrative workforce. In addition, the Joint Recruitment Board of Tripura (JRBT) will be responsible for organizing selection tests for store guards to ensure a transparent and merit-based hiring process.
Assam Keen on Adopting Tripura’s PDS Model
Minister Chowdhury disclosed that the Assam government has shown keen interest in replicating Tripura’s successful Public Distribution System (PDS) model.
“The Chief Minister of Assam has dispatched a team of officials to examine how Tripura has successfully incorporated lentils into the Public Distribution System. These officials held discussions with the Director of my department to gain insights and guidance on implementation strategies. Assam has now decided to adopt our model within their state,” he revealed.
Highlighting the state’s achievements, Chowdhury proudly announced that Tripura has secured the top position among North Eastern states for its efficiency and performance in the Public Distribution System. Nationally, Tripura has earned the fourth position.
Minister responds to allegations by Congress MLA
Addressing recent political controversy, Chowdhury responded to allegations made by Congress MLA Sudip Roy Barman, who had raised concerns regarding the access of confidential files within the Food Department.
“He (Sudip Roy Barman) is a seasoned politician of the state and should exercise responsibility in his statements. I carefully listened to his entire speech, in which he alleged that certain individuals were accessing departmental files. His remarks seemed to imply that I had personally complained to him about undue interference in my department. However, such claims are baseless and misleading,” the minister clarified.
Temporary Suspension of Spice Distribution Due to Tender Process
The minister also addressed concerns regarding the temporary suspension of spice distribution through fair price shops, explaining that the delay was procedural.
“The supply of spices has been temporarily halted due to pending tender-related formalities. Implementing a decision requires time, as all due processes must be followed to ensure legal validity,” he stated.
He reassured the public that once the tender procedures are completed, the distribution of spices will resume without further delay.
