A major highlight of Government’s initiative is the launch of a ₹1,400 crore World Bank project exclusively for tribal welfare.
Agartala, July 27: The BJP-led government in Tripura has embarked on a series of ambitious initiatives aimed at the holistic development of the indigenous communities in the state, which make up nearly one-third of its 4 million population.
A major highlight of Government’s initiative is the launch of a ₹1,400 crore World Bank-funded project exclusively for tribal welfare.
CM on Financial Concerns in TTAADC
Speaking at a felicitation ceremony for meritorious students, Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha firmly rejected claims of a financial shortfall in the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC).
Dr. Saha called on all stakeholders to avoid spreading “unwarranted apprehensions” regarding fund shortages in the TTAADC—an autonomous body that spans over two-thirds of Tripura’s 10,491 sq km and serves over 12.16 lakh people, of whom around 84% are tribals.
Without naming the Tipra Motha Party (TMP), the Chief Minister responded to repeated allegations regarding funding issues.
“Certain individuals are unnecessarily raising the issue of a financial crisis in TTAADC areas, both within and outside the Assembly. I have addressed this matter earlier as well,” Dr. Saha said.
The TMP took charge of the TTAADC in April 2021.
₹1,400 crore World Bank Project for Tribal Welfare
He mentioned that the World Bank project of worth ₹1,400 crore, approved with the assistance of Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, is set to significantly boost socio-economic development in tribal-dominated regions. The Chief Minister hailed Sitharaman for her assistance in getting approval for the project.
Dr. Saha emphasized the ethnic richness of India, noting that while the country has 700 tribal communities, Tripura alone is home to 20. The state government, he said, has undertaken a host of welfare schemes aimed at ensuring inclusive growth for all indigenous groups.
আজকের ছাত্র-ছাত্রীদের মনে রাখতে হবে, জ্ঞানার্জনের সীমা অন্তহীন। আমরা যত বেশি জ্ঞানের অধিকারী হবো, তত বেশি মানবিক গুন সম্পন্ন ব্যক্তিত্ব গড়ে তুলতে পারবো। আমরা যতদিন বাঁচবো, এই সময়ের মধ্যেই সমাজের জন্য উল্লেখযোগ্য কৃতিত্ব রাখার চেষ্টা আমাদের থাকতে হবে। pic.twitter.com/NYjd8NrLzL
— Prof.(Dr.) Manik Saha (@DrManikSaha2) July 26, 2025
“Every year, the state is increasing financial support for tribal welfare. These efforts target better outcomes in education, healthcare, and infrastructure development,” he noted.
The Chief Minister acknowledged the strong support extended by the Central government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which he said has been instrumental in accelerating tribal development initiatives in the state.
Apart from centrally sponsored schemes, several state-led programmes are actively being implemented to improve access to quality education, healthcare services, clean drinking water, and improved road connectivity in tribal areas, the Chief Minister asserted.
Preserving Indigenous Culture a Key Priority
Dr. Saha reaffirmed the government’s commitment to preserving the unique cultural heritage of indigenous communities. “Protecting and promoting the identity of our tribal population is a top priority, along with development,” he added.
Highlighting national recognition of tribal talents of the State, Dr. Saha pointed out that seven individuals from Tripura’s tribal communities have been awarded the Padma Shri for their exemplary contributions in various sectors. Besides, Jishnu Dev Varma, an indigenous leader from Tripura, has also been appointed as the Governor of Telangana.
Rich Cultural Programmes Add Colours
The Chief Minister delivered powerful suggestions to students saying, “Students must remember that the pursuit of knowledge is limitless. The more knowledge we acquire, the more we can develop a humane and virtuous personality. As long as we live, we must strive to achieve significant contributions to society within this time”.
During the programme, colourful and traditional cultural programmes were presented by the indigenous people including famous Lebangbumani dance of the Tripuri community and Garia Dance of the Jamatia community.
ত্রিপুরার জনজাতি সংস্কৃতির অভিন্ন অঙ্গ ত্রিপুরী সম্প্রদায়ের লেবাংবুমানি নৃত্য ও জমাতিয়া সম্প্রদায়ের গড়িয়া নৃত্য।
আজ রবীন্দ্র শতবার্ষিকী ভবনে আয়োজিত কৃতি সংবর্ধনা অনুষ্ঠানে হলঙ একাডেমি ও গড়িয়া একাডেমির ছাত্র ছাত্রীদের দ্বারা পরিবেশিত নৃত্য প্রশংসার দাবি রাখে। pic.twitter.com/jmnLiTXjEQ
— Prof.(Dr.) Manik Saha (@DrManikSaha2) July 26, 2025
He also said, “Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) are playing a vital role in complementing government efforts to ensure access to quality education for students from Janajati communities. Currently, around 16,500 students are pursuing their studies in 192 hostels managed by these dedicated NGOs—creating a strong foundation for an educated and empowered future”.
The event was also addressed by Tribal Welfare Minister Bikas Debbarma and other senior government leaders, who reiterated the state’s dedication to inclusive governance and the empowerment of tribal communities. (with inputs from IANS)
