Agartala, November 4: The present state government is implementing various schemes aimed at the development of the tribal communities in keeping with the needs of the time, said Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha. He added that the current government has shown due respect to both the tribal communities and the royal family of Tripura—not through words, but through concrete actions for the welfare of the people.
The Chief Minister inaugurated a program to distribute yarn for weaving Risa and Pachhra among tribal women at Rabindra Centenary Hall today. During the event, CM Saha, along with other dignitaries, handed over yarn to 25 beneficiaries on stage. In total, 2,000 tribal women received yarn under the initiative today. The program, organized by the Department of Handloom, Handicrafts & Sericulture under the “Chief Minister Tribal Women Weavers Development Programme,” aims to provide yarn to 20,000 tribal women across the state in the current financial year.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Minister said that since Prime Minister Narendra Modi assumed office, several initiatives have been launched for the welfare of tribal communities across the country. One such initiative, Dharti Aba Tribal Village Excellence Campaign, has brought significant success to Tripura, earning the state three national awards.
He added that projects worth ₹1,400 crore are being implemented in tribal-dominated block areas of Tripura to improve education, healthcare, and connectivity. Among the tribal groups, the Bru (Reang) are one of the oldest indigenous communities, and the government has implemented various development projects worth ₹322 crore in the past year alone for their upliftment.
The Chief Minister emphasized that the government is working not only for the 19 recognized tribal groups but also for their sub-groups. “The present government is truly tribal-friendly,” he said. The honorarium for tribal community leaders has been increased to ₹5,000 per month, and several initiatives have been taken to preserve and promote tribal art and culture. Under the Janajati Vikash Yojana, financial assistance of ₹25,000 each has been provided to 9,325 beneficiaries so far.
CM Saha also mentioned that the Risa and Pachhra woven by tribal women of Tripura are now being exported to other states, which is a matter of pride. He urged everyone to work together for the state’s development through unity, peace, and social harmony, and called for collective efforts to build a drug-free society.
Tribal Welfare Minister Bikas Debbarma, who attended the event as a special guest, said the state government is implementing several schemes to empower tribal women, many of whom have already become self-reliant. Agartala Municipal Corporation Mayor and MLA Deepak Majumder also addressed the event, while Handloom, Handicrafts & Sericulture Department Director Ajit Shukladas delivered the welcome address.
