Agartala: The convicted prisoners in Tripura generated over Rs 2.78 lakh revenue in the 2024-25 by producing crops and other materials. Even as the revenue is lower than the previous year, it is higher than by over Rs 45 thousand compared to 2022-23. The information was revealed during the ongoing Tripura Assembly Budget Session.
Convicted Prisoners in Tripura Yield Steady income
The convicted prisoners generate income by producing crops and other materials that have contributed significantly to the treasury over the past three financial years. In 2022-23, the initiative earned ₹2,31,561.50, rising to a high of ₹3,22,114 in 2023-24, before dipping slightly to ₹2,78,108 in the ongoing 2024-25 financial year.
These funds are deposited into the government treasury under the Head of Account (0056-00-102-36-01-00).
Beyond economic output, a small but noteworthy educational milestone was achieved. While no inmates passed the Madhyamik or higher-level exams in 2022 or 2023, one prisoner from Gandacherra Sub-Divisional Prison cleared the Madhyamik examination in 2024, marking a rare success in the prison’s rehabilitation efforts.
Flood Relief Reaches Lakhs of Farmers
Meanwhile, the state has been grappling with the aftermath of the catastrophic floods in August 2024, which wreaked havoc on its agricultural sector.
Total 2,05,578 farmers registered as disaster victims & total Rs 29 crore 46 lakh 52 thousand aid were given.
Official records reveal that 2,05,578 farmers were registered as affected by the disaster and total Rs 29 crore 46 lakh 52 thousand assistance were given.
Out of this Rs 20 crore aid were given to total 1 lakh 60 thousand 229 farmers while remainiing Rs 9 crore 46 lakh 52 thousand were distributed among 45 thousand 349 Horti etc farmers.
In Khowai district alone, 6,231 hectares of agricultural land were inundated, severely impacting local livelihoods. The Rishyamukh Assembly constituency reported 3,787 hectares of damaged farmland, while Padmabil Block saw 429 hectares affected.
In Rishyamukh, affected farmers received ₹1,000 each via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) for Kharif crop losses, with vegetable farmers getting an additional ₹1,000 via DBT plus winter vegetable seeds worth ₹1,000, and betel leaf farmers receiving ₹4,000 each.
In Padmabil, Kharif farmers and vegetable farmers received identical aid of ₹1,000 via DBT and ₹1,000 in seeds. Both regions provided ₹2,880 per kani to clear sand, silt, and gravel from affected lands, addressing long-term recovery needs.
Relief for Jhum Cultivators
The heavy rainfall in 2024 took a toll on jhum cultivators, a traditional farming community in the state, damaging a total of 1,079.44 hectares of jhum crops. In response, the state government has provided financial relief to the affected families.
Each impacted household received ₹1,000, resulting in a total disbursement of ₹17,73,000 in compensation. Authorities have also assured that additional assistance will be forthcoming, in line with guidelines from the National Disaster Relief Fund (NDRF), offering further hope to those recovering from the natural calamity.
Future Compensation on the Horizon
When asked about additional compensation, authorities confirmed that funds sanctioned under the National Disaster Relief Fund (NDRF) scheme will soon be disbursed to affected farmers, adhering to project guidelines. This promise offers hope to those still rebuilding after the floods.
| Also Read : NREGA in Tripura: Centre allocates 3.5 crore person-days for 2025-26 FY, says CM |
Crop Insurance Gains Momentum
On a broader scale, the state has made remarkable strides in securing its farmers against agricultural risks through the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY). From 2016-17 to 2024-25, a total of 14,37,937 farmers have been enrolled under this central scheme.
To bolster participation, particularly among paddy farmers, the state government launched the Mukhyamantri Fasal Bima Yojana as a supplementary program from 2020-21 to 2023-24.
This initiative allowed willing paddy farmers to access insurance by contributing just ₹10 per kani, with the state covering the remaining ₹210 per kani of the premium.
The financial commitment to this effort has been substantial, with ₹32 crore 75 lakh 80 thousand allocated from the state budget between 2020-21 and 2023-24 to cover premiums and subsidies.
The results speak for themselves: during this period, crop insurance coverage surged by an impressive 2,094 percent compared to previous years, bringing a vast number of farmers under its protective umbrella.
Looking ahead, the state government is not resting on its laurels. Starting in 2025-26, plans are underway to extend insurance coverage to potato and watermelon farmers, in addition to paddy cultivators.
The state intends to bear a significant portion of these farmers’ premiums, ensuring that more agricultural workers can safeguard their livelihoods against unpredictable setbacks.
A Tale of Recovery and Reform
The state’s efforts reflect a commitment to both economic productivity and disaster recovery. While prison labor contributes to the treasury and offers glimmers of rehabilitation, the flood relief measures underscore a proactive approach to supporting its agricultural backbone, State Home (Jail) and Agri department officials opined.
