Tripura, 04 Feb 2026: The primary objective of the state government is to work for the people and serve them, ensuring that all government schemes and benefits reach every marginalised individual, including Other Backward Classes (OBCs), said Chief Minister Professor (Dr.) Manik Saha on Tuesday.
The Chief Minister was speaking after inaugurating the state-level Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Gold Medal Award, Vidyasagar Social and Cultural Award, and a programme for providing financial assistance to meritorious students from economically weaker sections of the OBC community, organised by the Department of Other Backward Classes Welfare at Pragya Bhavan.
At the beginning of the programme, the dignitaries paid floral tributes to the portraits of Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
Dr. Saha said the faster the socio-economic development of OBCs and other weaker sections is achieved, the faster the state will move on the path of overall development. He added that Tripura has now earned recognition as one of the leading states in the country in terms of effective implementation of developmental programmes.
The Chief Minister noted that after Prime Minister Narendra Modi assumed office, special emphasis was laid on improving the socio-economic condition of backward classes and other marginalised sections, a focus that continues even today and is reflected in the recent Union Budget. In line with this vision, the state government has been taking and implementing various initiatives for the welfare of OBC communities.
He further stated that the Prime Minister’s goal is inclusive development of every marginalised section and building a Viksit Bharat by 2047 through improving the socio-economic standards of all communities. For this, a change in collective mindset is essential.
Providing statistics, Dr. Saha said the population of OBCs in Tripura is around 9.04 lakh, with more than 2.24 lakh families. The state government, he said, is giving special priority to women empowerment and promotion of education among girls from backward classes.
Highlighting law and order, the Chief Minister said the situation in the state is currently stable, with the crime rate at its lowest in the last 20 years an important achievement in maintaining public order. He added that tribal youth were once misled towards terrorism, but the present government aims to build a new Tripura by fostering peace and harmony and taking all communities and tribes along.
Minister for Other Backward Classes Welfare Santwana Chakma, the guest of honour, said the state government is working with multiple योजनas (schemes) to ensure socio-economic development of OBC communities. She mentioned that scholarships, hostels, and various other forms of assistance are being provided to OBC students.
The programme was also attended by M.K. Nath, Chairman of the OBC Cooperative Development Corporation, as a special guest. Tapas Roy, Secretary of the OBC Welfare Department, delivered the welcome address, while Nirmal Adhikari, Director of the department, proposed the vote of thanks.
During the event, dignitaries presented Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Gold Medals to meritorious OBC students who secured positions in the merit lists of Madhyamik and Higher Secondary board examinations. The Vidyasagar Social and Cultural Award was conferred by the Chief Minister upon Sajal Acharya, Sukumar Chandra Nath Bhowmik, and Kajal Chandra Nath for their outstanding contributions to society.
Additionally, cheques for one-time financial assistance were formally handed over to five meritorious OBC students. A documentary showcasing the developmental initiatives of the OBC Welfare Department was screened, and the Chief Minister officially released the department’s annual report card. On behalf of the Vidyasagar Award recipients, the Chief Minister was also felicitated during the programme.
