Agartala(Tripura) Jun 17: The Central and State Governments have undertaken multiple initiatives for the empowerment of women and to make them self-reliant. Alongside empowering women, female representatives of the three-tier Panchayat system must take a leading role in preventing child marriage and combating superstitions in society. Only then can these social ills be gradually eradicated.
From the financial year 2018-19 to 2024-25 over the past 7 years approximately Rs 2000 crore has been spent on improving the socio-economic conditions of women in the state. Currently, there are 58,000 self-help groups in the state with more than 5 lakh women members.
This was stated by Social Welfare and Social Education Minister Tinku Roy on June 16, while addressing a state-level day long workshop on women’s rights and various projects under the Social Welfare and Social Education Department, held at Hall No. 1 of Pragna Bhavan.
The workshop was organized by the Department of Social Welfare and Social Education. Inaugurating the workshop, Minister Tinku Roy said that women in our country are now at the forefront in many fields. The country’s President and Finance Minister are women. Women here are not lagging behind; day by day they are moving forward. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has prioritized women’s empowerment.
The minister mentioned that there are many talented and accomplished women in the state as well. Over 3,500 women representatives are serving in Gram Panchayats, Panchayat Samitis, and Zilla Parishads in the state. Notably, Supriya Das Dutta, Sabhadipati of the Sepahijala Zilla Parishad, addressed the United Nations. In government jobs, 33% of posts are reserved for women. Additionally, half of the stalls in government markets are reserved for women. A women’s TSR (Tripura State Rifles) battalion has been formed in the state.
From the financial year 2018-19 to 2024-25 over the past 7 years approximately Rs 2000 crore has been spent on improving the socio-economic conditions of women in the state. Currently, there are 58,000 self-help groups in the state with more than 5 lakh women members.
Speaking about the Social Welfare and Social Education Department, the minister said that the department is implementing various projects in mission mode. Presently, there are 8 One-Stop Centers for women in 8 districts of the state. Approval has been received for two more centers in Kailashahar and Agartala for the financial year 2025-26. At present, there’s one Sakhi Niwas in Agartala, with approval for 10 more. Currently, 1,14,300 elderly women in the state are receiving a monthly pension of Rs 2000 each.
Construction of a 25-bed Half-Way Home (Shanti Neer) is underway at Narsingarh. The state has formulated the Tripura State Policy for Empowerment of Women-2022 for the welfare of women. Women’s helplines have been launched in every district. Additionally, 30 to 40 children are being assisted every month from the Juvenile Justice Fund, and homes run by the government and NGOs are being supported.
Every year, bicycles are provided to all girl students in class IX. Support is also being provided under the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, Mukhyamantri Matri Pushti Uphaar Yojana, and Mukhyamantri Talent Search Scheme. Scooters are awarded to top-performing girls in the Class XII examination. The minister also elaborated on Scheme like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao and Sukanya Samridhi Yojana.
On sports, he proudly mentioned that the state has many talented. women athletes, who have brought home numerous national medals over the past two years. In his welcome address, Tapan Kumar Das, Director of the Social Welfare and Social Education Department, said that this year, 85 Anganwadi centers have been sanctioned under the PM Janman Scheme, and 119 Anganwadi centers under the Dharti Aba Janbhagidari Abhiyan Scheme.
The workshop also featured discussions on the Mission Shakti Scheme and State Policy for Empowerment of Women-2022 by Additional Director L. Ranjhal. Joint Director John C. Debbarma spoke on women’s development and social pensions, while Joint Director Dr. Chandrani Biswas addressed ICDS and Poshan Abhiyaan. Deputy Director T. Koloi discussed child welfare services, and State Bank of India officials Narayan Pal and Rebati Ranjan Kumana spoke on social pension banking guidelines.
Deepanwita Ganguly, Under Secretary from the Law Department, discussed laws related to women. The workshop was attended by officials from different levels of the department, district Social Welfare and Social Education Inspectors, CDPOs, and Anganwadi workers from North Tripura, Unakoti, Dhalai, South Tripura, and West Tripura districts. The event concluded with a vote of thanks from Joint Director Bijon Chakraborty of the Social Welfare and Social Education Department.
