Agartala, March 26 – Food Minister Sushanta Chowdhury of Tripura has announced a series of measures to combat black marketing and improve the state’s food safety regulations. A key element of the initiative is the recruitment of additional food inspectors, a move aimed at enhancing market monitoring and curbing illegal practices in the distribution of essential commodities.
Currently, the state has filled 29 out of the 57 sanctioned food inspector positions. The recruitment process for 15 more candidates is already underway through the Tripura Public Service Commission (TPSC). This step comes in response to growing concerns over rising prices of essential commodities, including food items.
During the recent budget session of the state assembly, the issue of black marketing was raised by several members, particularly by Congress MLA Gopal Chandra Roy, who criticized the government’s monitoring mechanisms. He emphasized the need for stricter oversight and a greater presence of food inspectors in markets to prevent hoarding and price manipulation. In response, Minister Chowdhury acknowledged the challenges posed by black marketing under the Essential Commodities Act (EC Act) and reiterated that these new recruitments would address the issue more effectively.
Additionally, the government has approved the promotion of eight senior storekeepers to food inspector roles, further strengthening the team of regulatory officials. Chowdhury highlighted that these changes are part of a broader strategy to ensure that food safety measures are not just effective but also well-enforced.
The initiative reflects the government’s ongoing commitment to improving market regulation and ensuring the equitable distribution of essential commodities across the state. It also aims to bring greater accountability to the management of food supplies, ensuring that citizens are protected from illegal practices that could drive up living costs.
