Tripura rolls out PVC Ration card, dealers hail hike in commission
Agartala, August 28: Tripura’s Public Distribution System (PDS) took another step forward in modernization with the introduction of PVC ration cards.
This was announced during an interactive session with stakeholders on today. State Food Minister Sushanta Chowdhury officially launched the initiative, which aims to streamline PDS operations and enhance user convenience.
The new cards will be issued exclusively to ration cardholders who have completed e-KYC verification.
The PVC ration cards are set to be distributed statewide soon, promising a more efficient and hassle-free experience for beneficiaries.
Speaking at the event, Minister Chowdhury highlighted recent reforms, including a hike in commissions for ration dealers from Rs 13 to Rs 180 per quintal for goods sold to Priority Group and Antyodaya beneficiaries.
This decision followed productive discussions with the Union Food Minister.
Addressing concerns about the Above Poverty Line (APL) category, where no central provisions exist for dealer commissions, Chowdhury assured that the state is actively engaging with the central government to resolve this.
He also responded to complaints from dealers about unpaid bills for Mid-Day Meal (MDM) supplies, pending for nearly eight years, promising a review meeting to tackle this and issues related to doorstep salt delivery.
The minister emphasized the state government’s commitment to making the PDS more accessible and efficient for both dealers and consumers.
He urged dealers to expedite e-KYC completion, noting that Tripura has achieved an 81% completion rate, slightly below the national average of 83%.
However, he expressed confidence that the state would soon lead the country in this metric.
During the event, Chowdhury shared two interesting information. Firstly, Tripura is in top of the table among the NE states and 3rd in the country. Tripura ranks first among Northeastern states and third nationally in e-KYC progress.
Secondly, he revealed that Assam, inspired by Tripura’s PDS model, plans to expand its own system to include essential commodities starting next month.
This followed detailed discussions between Assam officials and Tripura’s Food Department.
Encouraging timely stock lifting, the minister highlighted the affordability of PDS goods, particularly lentils, available at Rs 87 per kg for APL consumers and Rs 62 per kg for Priority Group and Antyodaya beneficiaries, compared to market prices of Rs 120–130 per kg.
Commenting on isolated complaints about lentil quality, Chowdhury reassured dealers that the government remains vigilant in maintaining supply standards.
Sushanta Chowdhury clearly mentioned the while State Government is committed to the issues of the ration dealers, it also expected that the ration dealers will co-operate with the government for enhancing the service delivery.
