Congress Accused State Government of Deceiving Citizens with Free Ration Scheme

Agartala, Sep 28, 2024, By Our Correspondent

Agartala: Sept 28: The opposition Congress party has accused the state government of deceiving citizens with a free ration scheme ahead of the festive season. Party president Ashis Kumar Saha claims the government's decision to provide free sugar, flour, and semolina to ration card holders is actually a ploy to extract more money from citizens.

The government's scheme will distribute one kilogram of sugar, two kilograms of flour, and 500 grams of semolina per ration card at no cost, totaling ₹6.84 crores. However, Saha alleges this is a calculated move to offset the recent sugar price increase by ₹7 per kilogram, generating ₹8.25 crores in annual revenue.

Saha emphasizes that many citizens are still recovering from recent floods, making price increases for essential commodities inhumane. He demands the government roll back the sugar price hike and condemns their attempt to mislead the public.

Interestingly, global sugar prices have been fluctuating, with a 10.68% increase since the beginning of 2024 ¹. The Indian government is also planning to revamp the Sugar (Control) Order of 1966 to align with technological advancements .