In a major festive relief initiative, the Tripura government has announced that nearly 9.90 lakh ration cardholders across the state will receive free suji (semolina), wheat, and sugar ahead of Durga Puja 2025. The move, officials said, is intended to ease household expenses during the festival season and ensure that every family can celebrate the occasion with dignity and joy.
The decision was taken under the guidance of Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha, with the efforts spearheaded by Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Sushanta Chowdhury. This year’s allocation follows the model of last year’s successful programme, where the state had introduced a similar free distribution for ration beneficiaries.
According to an official release, the government has sanctioned a total of 896 metric tonnes of suji, 1,982 metric tonnes of wheat, and 990 metric tonnes of sugar. The commodities will be distributed through the Public Distribution System (PDS) in all districts before the Durga Puja festivities begin. Each ration cardholder will receive 500 grams of suji, 2 kilograms of wheat, and 1 kilogram of sugar.
The entire scheme involves a subsidy of around ₹7 crore, including the cost of transportation and handling. A detailed expenditure breakdown shows ₹0.65 crore earmarked for suji distribution, ₹2.58 crore for wheat, ₹3.18 crore for sugar, and ₹0.60 crore for logistics and transportation. Officials said the financial burden was carefully planned to avoid straining state resources while ensuring maximum benefit for families.
“This is a humble gift to the people of Tripura during the auspicious days of Durga Puja,” the state government said in a statement, adding that beneficiaries have been urged to collect their allocations on time and extend full cooperation to ration dealers to ensure smooth and hassle-free distribution.
Durga Puja, the largest and most widely celebrated festival in Tripura, often brings added expenses for households. With inflationary pressures and rising food prices affecting consumers, particularly in urban and rural markets alike, the free supply of essential commodities has been welcomed as a timely measure. For many families dependent on daily wages or agricultural income, this initiative will provide tangible relief during the festive season.
