Tripura, 27 Jan 2026: Stating that the culture and traditions of Indigenous communities are the true ornaments of the state, Tripura Chief Minister Professor (Dr.) Manik Saha said that the present government has taken multiple initiatives for the overall development of every Indigenous community and sub-community in the state.
The Chief Minister was speaking after inaugurating the prize distribution ceremony of the state-level Indigenous Folk Dance Competition, organised by the Department of Tribal Welfare on the occasion of Republic Day at Rabindra Satabarshiki Bhavan on Monday.
During the programme, the Chief Minister felicitated eminent personalities from Indigenous communities who had come from different subdivisions of the state by presenting them with shawls. He also distributed prizes to the winners who secured first, second and third positions in the folk dance competition.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Saha said that despite many years of Independence, Indigenous communities remained neglected for a long time. He recalled that former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee was the first to establish a separate ministry at the Centre dedicated to the real development of Indigenous people. He added that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, several schemes are being implemented across the country to improve the quality of life of Indigenous communities.
The Chief Minister said that the present government has given due recognition to legendary Indigenous freedom fighter Birsa Munda. He further pointed out that the country now has an Indigenous woman, Droupadi Murmu, as the President of India, which reflects the government’s commitment towards Indigenous welfare.
Dr. Saha urged Indigenous youth to remain vigilant in preserving their rich culture and traditions alongside adopting a modern lifestyle. He also called upon them to actively join the movement for building a drug-free Tripura.
Highlighting achievements, he said that between 2019 and 2026, eight eminent Indigenous personalities from Tripura have been conferred with the Padma Shri, an achievement that was once unimaginable. Explaining the vision of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas,” he said it means inclusive development reaching every individual, including Indigenous youth, women, farmers and the last person in society.
The Chief Minister added that the state government is restoring and reconstructing historical sites associated with Tripura’s royal history, which is deeply intertwined with Indigenous history. He noted that rivers, hills and various locations in the state are being renamed in Kokborok. He also mentioned that peace has been established in Indigenous areas through agreements with insurgent groups like NLFT and ATTF, bringing them back into the mainstream.
Dr. Saha said that Indigenous handwoven attire such as Risa and Pachhra from Tripura have received the GI tag, gaining nationwide recognition. To further improve living standards in Indigenous areas, the state government has launched the Chief Minister’s Tribal Development Scheme.
He informed that along with infrastructure development, special emphasis is being laid on education in Indigenous areas through scholarships, new hostels and new schools. For the proper management of student hostels in these areas, the government will appoint 140 hostel wardens.
Presiding over the programme, Tribal Welfare Minister Bikash Debbarma said that the government is working in a practical and committed manner for the development of Indigenous communities. He noted that basic amenities such as roads, drinking water and electricity, which were once absent in many Indigenous areas, have now reached those regions under the present government.
Chief Secretary J. K. Sinha, in his address, said that Tripura has been receiving various awards for the successful implementation of development projects and is gaining recognition across the country for its good governance.
Among others present at the event were MLA Rampada Jamatia, Director of the Tribal Welfare Department Shubhashis Das, while the welcome address was delivered by Secretary of the Tribal Welfare Department Dr. K. Shashikumar.
