Summary
- Tripura Nath Yogi Forum sought inclusion of Nath Yogi history in textbooks, reservation benefits, and cultural recognition along with other demands.
Agartala, Sept 9: The Tripura Nath Yogi Forum on Monday staged a rally in Agartala and convened its state-level conference to press for a 20-point charter of demands concerning the community’s socio-economic, educational, and cultural rights.
The rally began from Battala and culminated at Muktadhara Auditorium, where the state conference was held.
Addressing the gathering, Forum leaders stressed the need for immediate government action to address long-pending issues faced by the Nath Yogi community.
Key demands raised from the conference platform include:
* Government-managed burial grounds in every Gram Panchayat, Nagar Panchayat, and Municipal Council.
* Recovery and official registration of community-donated land for use as burial sites.
* Immediate implementation of directives issued by the Chief Secretary for Nath Yogi welfare.
* Formation of a **Nath Yogi Development Council** to ensure socio-economic progress.
* Construction of a guest house in Agartala and hostels for Nath Yogi students across subdivisions.
* Establishment of coaching centres in Agartala for aspirants of TPSC, TCS, TET, and other competitive exams, with concessions in fees, age limits, and cut-off marks.
* Free pilgrimage tours for devotees above 50 years to Shaivite holy sites across India.
* Free housing for BPL families and land allocation for the landless.
* Monthly stipends of ₹5,000 and one-time scholarships of ₹5 lakh for students.
* Creation of academies and research centres dedicated to Nath philosophy and literature.
* Inclusion of Nath Yogi history in school curricula.
* Declaration of a state holiday on *Shri Shri Gorakshanath Jayanti* and establishment of a college in Panisagar in his name.
* Appointment of Nath Yogi representatives as chairpersons and directors in state cultural institutions such as Purbasha and Tantumitra.
* Political representation for Nath Yogis in proportion to their population in the Lok Sabha, Assembly, TTAADC, and other autonomous bodies.
* Revival of the state’s handloom sector with easy bank loans and free yarn distribution.
* Introduction of a Nath Yogi (OBC) Reservation Bill in the Assembly.
* A separate community-based census for accurate representation.
* Issuance of a unified OBC certificate and cancellation of fraudulent ones to prevent exploitation.
* Separate reservation for Nath Yogi students in NEET, medical courses, Kendriya Vidyalayas, and universities.
* Easy bank loans for unemployed youth.
Forum leaders cautioned that if these demands are not fulfilled soon, the community will intensify its agitation across the state.
