AGARTALA: Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha, in a bid to bring festive cheer to the state, initiated a special gift hamper distribution programme on Tuesday for all 9.70 lakh ration card holders.
The ceremony held at Rabindra Satabarshiki Bhavan, Agartala, was graced by the presence of Food and Civil Supplies Minister Sushanta Chowdhury and was aimed to alleviate the burdens of rising prices, particularly as the festive season, including Durga Puja, approaches.
Chief Minister Saha said, “The distribution of these hampers is a strategic move to curb the price escalation typically seen during the Durga Puja season.”
Detailing the distribution logistics, Minister Chowdhury stated that the gift hampers would be allocated to beneficiaries through the 2,057 government fair price shops spread across the state. He urged ration dealers to expedite the distribution process, aiming for completion within the upcoming week.
The curated gift hamper comprises a sturdy canvas bag, a litre of mustard oil, a kilogram each of pulses and flour, and 500 grams of lentils and suji, as confirmed by the local press.
In a more visionary tone, the Chief Minister expressed his optimism about Tripura’s promising future. He highlighted that entrepreneurs have shown a growing interest in investing in the state, drawn by its immense potential.
“Several business magnates are contemplating investments in the upcoming Special Economic Zone (SEZ) situated in South Tripura’s Sabroom subdivision, which is in proximity to Bangladesh,” the Chief Minister added.
He also exuded confidence that the activation of the Maitri Setu will further boost trade opportunities, granting easy access to the Chittagong port in Bangladesh.
The festive outreach project, marked by the distribution of these hampers, will witness the food and civil supplies department investing a sum of Rs 3.98 crore, Chowdhury confirmed.
