Assam, Tripura ministers meet on PDS cooperation
In a significant move to bolster inter-state cooperation and streamline the Public Distribution System (PDS), a high-level delegation from Assam held a crucial meeting with the Tripura Government in Agartala on Saturday to deliberate on food security and public distribution mechanisms.
The Assam delegation, led by the Minister for Food, Public Distribution and Consumer Affairs, Kaushik Rai, engaged in extensive discussions with Tripura’s Minister for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Sushanta Chowdhury. Held under the guidance of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, the meeting focused on enhancing the efficiency of the PDS, ensuring the effective implementation of welfare schemes, and expanding service delivery mechanisms to ensure seamless benefits reach the public.
During the deliberations, both sides exchanged views on their respective administrative experiences and best practices in the food and civil supplies sector. Officials noted that such high-level dialogues would contribute positively towards the targeted implementation of food and consumer welfare programmes, whilst further strengthening bilateral ties between the neighbouring northeastern States.
Speaking to reporters post the meeting, Minister Kaushik Rai emphasised that inter-state cooperation and mutual learning are vital to improving the effectiveness, transparency, and overall outreach of public welfare services. He reiterated the Government’s commitment to achieving the goal of Antyodaya (uplifting the weakest section of society) through coordinated efforts, good governance, and robust inter-state collaboration under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary of the Food, Public Distribution and Consumer Affairs Department, Assam, Biswaranjan Samal; Commissioner Hemanta Bhuyan; Principal Secretary of the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department, Government of Tripura, Shantanu; and Director Sumit Lodh.
