Tripura Government reduces lentil prices by Rs 2 per kg in Fair Price Shops

The Tripura Government has decided to reduce the prices of lentils supplied through Fair Price Shops across the State. Food and Civil Supplies Minister of Tripura, Sushanta Chowdhury said the price of lentils will be slashed by Rs 2 per kilogram.

The Minister said as per the revised rates, Above Poverty Line (APL) consumers will now be able to purchase lentils at Rs 82 per kg instead of the previous Rs 84. For Below Poverty Line (BPL) and Antyodaya consumers, the lentil prices have been reduced to Rs 57 per kg from the earlier Rs 59 at the government fair price shops.

To ensure an adequate supply of lentils through Fair Price Shops, the state has already received 1300 metric tons of lentils. These pulses will be distributed to 2,056 fair price shops and Anganwadi centers across the state.

The Minister also highlighted the government’s efforts to curb hoarding and prevent unscrupulous traders from exploiting the market. Raids have been conducted by concerned authorities, resulting in the imposition of fines totaling over Rs 3 lakh. Besides, 10 shops involved in black marketing have been shut down, and 5 ration shop licenses were canceled during these operations.

Over the past three months, the Food Department has been actively conducting raids in various markets, particularly in urban areas, to prevent black marketing. A total of 184 markets have been inspected so far, with show cause notices issued to 58 traders.

The government also closed down 10 shops involved in these illegal activities, while collecting fines amounting to Rs 2.26 lakh.

Apart from the raids on markets, 1,789 government fair price shops were also subjected to scrutiny by the food department officials. Show cause notices were served to 277 fair price shops, and licenses of 5 shops were revoked due to violations. The authorities collected a fine of Rs 1 lakh 4 thousand 471 during these operations.

Chowdhury asserted that the government will take stringent action against any attempts to create artificial crises and engage in black market activities. He also assured the public that the state has sufficient stock of essential commodities like rice, wheat, sugar, petrol, and diesel.

Among others, Secretary of the Department of Transport UK Chakma, Additional Secretary of Transport Department Subrata Chowdhury, Director of Food Department Nirmal Adhikari, and Additional Director of Food Department Animesh Debbarma were present in the press meeting.