Agartala 26 Oct, 2024: The Tripura government is placing a special focus on the MSME sector, tourism, IT, skill development, and self-reliance to support socio-economic development, said Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha during an interaction with a group of visiting journalists from Chhattisgarh this afternoon at his official residence. Highlighting Tripura’s development initiatives, the Chief Minister noted the immense potential of tourism to create jobs and increase earnings within the state. He added that the state’s economy relies not only on agriculture but also on rubber, bamboo, and natural gas, with efforts underway to further these sectors for industrial growth. Tripura’s pineapples and jackfruit are in high demand, and special attention is also given to orange, cashew, and ginger cultivation in the state.
Tripura ranks as India’s second-largest natural rubber producer and meets 60% of the national demand for incense stick production with its bamboo industry. The government has established initiatives like a bamboo park, a common facility center, and a design and production development cell to support bamboo and cane industries.
In response to journalists’ questions, the Chief Minister affirmed that the development of indigenous communities remains a priority for the state government. Several programs are in place to uplift these communities, including student stipends, coaching centers, merit awards, financial support, quality education initiatives, Eklavya model schools, and World Bank-assisted development projects in tribal areas.
The Chief Minister also highlighted advancements in healthcare services, noting that Tripura is home to two medical colleges, a dental college, a private medical college, B.Sc. nursing colleges, and paramedical colleges. Nine super-specialty services are available at Agartala Government Medical College and GB Hospital, and plans are underway to establish a medical hub in Tripura.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister shared details of the state’s industrial policies, the single-window portal system for ease of business, and initiatives in sports development. Other key topics included e-office implementation, the Swabalamban (self-reliance) initiative, bio-villages, women’s self-help groups, and the Mukhyamantri Samipeshu (approach the Chief Minister) program. Present at the event were the Chief Minister’s Secretary, Dr. P.K. Chakraborty, and officials from the Press Information Bureau.
Notably, the 14 journalists from Chhattisgarh arrived in Agartala on October 22 and have since toured various areas, observing improvements in infrastructure and the livelihoods of Tripura’s residents. They praised the state government’s developmental efforts and their impact on the community.
