Atta distribution wasn't part of free distribution plan: Sushanta

Agartala, Nov 20, 2024, By Our Correspondent

Agartala: Nov 20: Recently, Khowai's Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) raised an allegation regarding the distribution of wheat flour (atta) during the Durga Puja. He claimed that while it was promised that atta would be provided through the public distribution system, consumers did not receive it, leading to a major corruption issue. This allegation sparked widespread criticism across Khowai district. In response, the Food Department organized a seminar on Wednesday at the Dashrath Deb Memorial College in Khowai, aiming to raise consumer awareness.

The seminar was attended by Food Minister Sushanta Chowdhury, the Director of the Food Department, and other officials. During the seminar, Minister Sushanta Chowdhury addressed the media and clarified the allegations raised by the MLA. He denied the claims of corruption, asserting that the distribution of atta during Durga Puja did not occur as part of the free distribution plan. He explained that semolina (suji), flour (maida), and sugar were provided free of cost during the festival. Atta, however, is supplied monthly at subsidized rates through the ration system.

Minister Chowdhury further elaborated that a cooperative in Khowai collects the atta and supplies it to every ration shop in the district. Due to space limitations in the ration stores during Durga Puja, the ration dealers were unable to stock atta on time. As a result, consumers did not receive it promptly, though the atta was later distributed once it was collected by the dealers. The Minister firmly stated that no corruption had taken place in the distribution of atta.