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Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, and New & Renewable Energy, Shri Pralhad Joshi, visited Agartala from 28th to 29th December 2024, attending multiple programs aimed at strengthening food distribution systems and enhancing renewable energy initiatives in the state.
On 28th December, Minister Joshi visited the Food Corporation of India (FCI) office and the state godown, where he assessed the current food grain storage and distribution situation. The Minister also held a meeting with Tripura Chief Minister Shri Dr. Manik Saha and other officials to review the implementation of central schemes in the state.
A key highlight of the visit was the approval, in principle, of the state government’s proposal to establish a regional office of FCI at Agartala. The state government will now identify land for the project.
The Minister also reviewed the progress of various MNRE schemes, including the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana and PM KUSUM. During the review, the Minister emphasized addressing challenges to improve the execution of these programs in Tripura.
On 29th December, Shri Joshi began his day with a visit to Maa Tripura Sundari Temple and later listened to Prime Minister Modi’s “Mann Ki Baat” at Chandrapur Colony Higher Secondary School. The Minister then visited Charilam village, where he reviewed a centrally sponsored renewable energy project for farmers. The project, led by the Tripura Renewable Energy Development Agency (TREDA), has successfully implemented 27 SPV Pumps and 35 LED-based SPV Street Lighting Systems, benefiting local farmers through double cropping and increased income.
The Minister also announced the approval of the Private Enterprise Guarantee (PEG) scheme, aimed at enhancing storage capacity in North Eastern States. Under this scheme, FCI plans to double its storage capacity in Tripura with the addition of 70,000 MT of storage within two years.
Shri Joshi highlighted the success of the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, which currently provides free food grains to 81 crore people, benefiting citizens in Tripura as well. The government has extended this free ration scheme until December 31, 2028.
In the past five years, Tripura has seen a procurement of approximately 1.2 lakh MT of rice under the Decentralized Procurement mode, benefiting around 94,000 farmers. The Central government has also extended the universal supply of fortified rice under various welfare schemes, ensuring essential micronutrients reach beneficiaries.
On the consumer protection front, the Minister discussed the implementation of the “Strengthening of Consumer Commissions” scheme, noting that Tripura has received Rs. 3.65 crore in financial assistance under this initiative. Additionally, the state has benefited from the One Nation, One Ration Card scheme, with 100% ration cards seeded with Aadhaar and 18.74 lakh portability transactions.
Regarding price stabilization, Shri Joshi mentioned the government’s efforts to maintain an onion buffer under the Price Stabilisation Fund, including rail transportation to North Eastern regions for efficient disposal.
In the renewable energy sector, India has reached 214 GW in total renewable energy capacity and is on track to achieve 500 GW by 2030. Minister Joshi praised Tripura’s progress, noting that the state’s solar energy generation has increased tenfold, from 2.5 MW before 2018 to over 20.5 MW in recent years.
The Minister encouraged further awareness campaigns for the PM Surya Ghar Yojana, pointing out that solar energy adoption could reduce dependence on high-cost gas-based power, saving consumers money while contributing to the state’s Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO).
Shri Joshi concluded his visit with a call for continued collaboration with the Tripura government, expressing confidence that joint efforts would lead to better opportunities for the people of the state. |
