Union Minister Pralhad Joshi’s Productive Visit to Tripura
Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, and New & Renewable Energy, Shri Pralhad Joshi, recently concluded a two-day visit to Agartala, Tripura, from December 28 to 29, 2024. His visit aimed to oversee various programs and initiatives related to food security and renewable energy in the state. The minister’s engagements included meetings with state officials, site visits, and discussions on enhancing the implementation of key government schemes. This visit was marked by significant announcements and reviews that promise to benefit the local population.
Review of Food Security Measures
During his visit, Minister Joshi inspected the Food Corporation of India (FCI) office and state godown on December 28. He assessed the current status of food grain storage and distribution in Tripura. The minister emphasized the importance of efficient food management systems to ensure that essential supplies reach the needy. Following this inspection, he held a meeting with Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha and other officials to review the performance of central schemes in the state.
One of the key outcomes of this meeting was the approval in principle for establishing a regional FCI office in Agartala. This decision aims to streamline food distribution and improve storage facilities in the region. The state government has been tasked with identifying suitable land for this new office. Minister Joshi highlighted the government’s commitment to enhancing food security, stating that India is currently providing free food grains to 81 crore people under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana. This initiative is crucial for supporting vulnerable populations, especially in the northeastern states.
Renewable Energy Initiatives
On December 29, Minister Joshi visited Charilam village to review a centrally sponsored renewable energy project by the Tripura Renewable Energy Development Agency (TREDA). This project focuses on providing solar energy solutions to farmers, enhancing their productivity and income. During his visit, he noted the installation of 27 solar-powered pumps and 35 LED-based street lighting systems under various schemes. These initiatives have enabled farmers to adopt double cropping, significantly increasing their income.
The minister also discussed the government’s broader renewable energy goals. He mentioned that India has achieved a total renewable energy capacity of 214 GW and is on track to reach 500 GW by 2030. He urged local stakeholders to promote awareness about the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, which offers subsidies and concessional loans to encourage solar energy adoption among consumers. Minister Joshi praised Tripura’s progress in the renewable energy sector, noting that solar energy generation has increased tenfold in recent years.
Enhancing Consumer Rights and Welfare
Minister Joshi’s visit also focused on consumer rights and welfare initiatives. He highlighted the implementation of the One Nation, One Ration Card (ONORC) scheme, which allows beneficiaries to access their entitled food grains from any fair price shop across the country. In Tripura, the ONORC scheme has seen significant success, with 18.74 lakh portability transactions recorded. All ration cards in the state are now linked to Aadhaar, ensuring transparency and reducing leakage.
Additionally, the minister discussed the Strengthening of Consumer Commissions scheme, which aims to protect consumer interests. The central government has allocated Rs. 3.65 crore to Tripura under this scheme. To further support consumers, the government has also released Rs. 40 lakh for awareness generation regarding consumer rights in the state. Minister Joshi emphasized the importance of these initiatives in empowering consumers and ensuring fair access to essential goods and services.
Conclusion: A Collaborative Future for Tripura
Minister Pralhad Joshi’s visit to Tripura underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing food security, promoting renewable energy, and protecting consumer rights. His engagements with state officials and local communities reflect a collaborative approach to governance. The initiatives discussed during this visit are expected to bring significant benefits to the people of Tripura, improving their quality of life and economic prospects. As the minister expressed confidence in ongoing collaboration with the state government, it is clear that the future holds promising opportunities for the people of Tripura. Through joint efforts, the government aims to create a more sustainable and prosperous environment for all residents.
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