Residents of Khowai Sub-division in Tripura have been facing many hardships due to severe shortages in the public distribution system (PDS). While most ration shops have been consistently running out of essential commodities the most persistent issue has been the irregular supply of wheat flour.
Despite receiving other rationed items early in the month residents often have to wait until the end of the month to receive their allotment of wheat flour. This has led to widespread speculation about irregularities in the distribution of wheat flour.
Furthermore, there have been reports of a complete shortage of sugar and lentils in ration shops for a long period. A local food and civil supplies department official has confirmed that there will be no supply of sugar and lentils in ration shops for the next two months.
The shortage of essential commodities in the PDS has forced residents to purchase these items from the open market at comparatively higher prices. The price of sugar has exceeded Rs. 50 per kilogram while lentils are being sold at Rs. 120 per kilogram. With no immediate relief in sight the prices of these commodities are expected to rise further in the coming months.
Local residents have expressed their concerns about the exploitation by unscrupulous traders who often take advantage of such situations to inflate prices. They have also criticized the food department for its apparent inaction in regulating the market and ensuring the availability of essential commodities at affordable prices.
