By Firstdespatch Desk Aug 23, 2026
Agartala, Aug 23 (FD) The Tripura State Secretariat of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) has strongly opposed the alleged reduction in the quantity of rice distributed through ration shops, describing the move as “inhuman” and demanding its immediate withdrawal.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the CPI(M) alleged that the BJP-led state government had curtailed the ration rice entitlement at a time when households were already facing rising prices of essential commodities.
According to the party, the existing entitlement of 5 kg of rice per person has allegedly been restricted to a maximum of four members per family. Under the revised arrangement, a household would receive no more than 20 kg of rice, irrespective of whether it has more than four members, the CPI(M) claimed.
The party said ration rice constituted an important part of the food requirements of economically vulnerable families and alleged that any reduction in the quota would impose an additional financial burden on households.
The CPI(M) also expressed concern over the rising prices of essential commodities during the past three months. It alleged that the price of rice had increased by around Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,500 per quintal, while masur dal had become costlier by more than Rs 1,000 per quintal.
According to the party, sugar prices had also raised by a similar margin, while mustard oil had become costlier by around Rs 25 to Rs 30 per litre. The prices of spices and other essential commodities have also continued to increase, it alleged.
Criticising both the Central and state governments, the CPI(M) alleged that they had failed to take effective steps to check the rising cost of essential commodities and provide relief to common people.
The party called for organised public pressure and collective protests to compel the government to address the issue. It demanded the immediate withdrawal of the alleged decision to reduce the ration rice quota and urged the government to take effective measures to control the prices of essential commodities. FD JK