April 10, 2018: The State envisages to progress by ensuring ‘Education and Health for all’. Electrification, construction of toilets, availability of basic amenities along with earning opportunities are also necessary for inclusive and sustainable growth. The Chief Minister Biplab Deb said this today while addressing the first ‘Niti Forum for North-East’ meeting in Agartala today. To achieve inclusive growth at an accelerated rate, Deb stressed on connectivity – road, air, water-ways and even internet connectivity and also proposed to establish connectivity with neighboring countries including Bangladesh. Tourism was another issue that the Chief Minister discussed in details. Indo-Bangla Border trade also featured in his speech.
He said, connecting NE with Trans-Asian railways (TAR), with South Asian Countries through Railway Link is an intergovernmental agreement that will establish strategic partnership among the countries in terms of, Thailand, Cambodia, _Malaysia, Singapore and other Asian countries. It will boost trade, commerce, tourism etc. Tripura has proposed 257 km long rail connectivity from Jawaharnagar (Tripura) to Darlawn (Mizoram, 109 km) to Kalay in Myanmar to promote business and trade, culture, regional integration and prosperity.
Pressing for upgrading the Agartala Airport to international standard, he said, “There is a need to improve the Cargo handling capacity in the airports to support the growing food processing industry in the states. Agartala Airport needs to be developed as a hub of international travel particularly to Dhaka, Sylhet, Chittagong and South East Asian countries like Tiwan, Hongkok, Bangkok etc.”
Apart from focusing upon connectivity – road, air, water as well as internet connectivity – Deb stressed on development of tourism in the State. Urging for more funds, Deb said, “The North Eastern States and Tripura in particular with its multicultural identity and scenic beauty has immense potential in terms of Tourism. It can offer wildlife tourism, religious & cultural tourism etc”. He also highlighted issues relating to Border Haats, Land Customs Station and Indo-Bangla trade. He urged to lift restriction on export from Tripura to Bangladesh so that Tripura can export rubber produces to Bangladesh.
The Chief Minister focused upon the all round development of the TTAADC and tribal people and made specific proposals for this purposes. In total the Chief Minister submitted 23 proposals in the meeting for inclusive development of the region, particularly Tripura.
