By TC News Desk
Agartala, 26th March 2025: Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Sushanta Chowdhury on Wednesday revealed that out of the 57 sanctioned posts for food inspectors, only 29 are currently filled. He announced that 15 candidates selected through the Tripura Public Service Commission (TPSC) will soon receive appointment letters. Additionally, eight senior storekeepers are set to be promoted to food inspectors, pending approval from the Law Department.
Congress MLA Gopal Chandra Roy raised concerns over the soaring prices of essential commodities across the state. “The department must monitor price hikes effectively to prevent hoarding and exploitation by wholesalers. Sellers should display daily rates of items like mustard oil, but this monitoring is lacking. Immediate recruitment of vacant food inspector posts is crucial to address this issue,” Roy stated.
Tipra Motha MLA Ranjit Debbarma questioned whether the recruitment process for the 15 food inspectors adhered to reservation norms for Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST). Minister Chowdhury assured compliance, stating, “Reservation is mandatory in recruitment. 31% of posts are reserved for ST candidates, 17% for SC candidates, and 33% for women.”
Responding to MLA Roy’s concerns, Chowdhury explained that the creation and filling of posts require Finance Department approval. “We’ve applied for 20 food inspector posts and received approval for 15. Appointment letters will be issued within 15-20 days. While black marketing contributes to price surges, the department has been proactive in conducting raids, imposing fines, and organizing awareness programs,” he added.
Chowdhury also highlighted limitations under the Essential Commodities Act (EC Act), which is framed by the Government of India. “The state government cannot amend the EC Act. Without amendments, there’s no provision for arresting black marketers. I urge MLA Roy not to mislead the house,” the minister concluded.
