Tripura, 05 Feb 2026: Tripura Chief Minister Professor (Dr.) Manik Saha on Wednesday said that without the socio-economic upliftment and empowerment of women, it is not possible to make Tripura self-reliant and at par with the country’s leading states. He made the remarks while inaugurating the three-day Sipahijala district-level SARAS Mela at Bishramganj Mini Stadium.
The Chief Minister noted that women of the state, after receiving proper training, are enhancing the quality of their products, which are now gaining popularity across different parts of the country. He said that women’s self-reliance plays a crucial role in the overall development of the state, as empowered women contribute not only to their own progress but also to the welfare of their families, society, and the state’s economy.
Highlighting the role of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Dr. Saha said that due to the Prime Minister’s visionary leadership and encouragement, various indigenous products made by Tripura’s women—ranging from handmade dolls to other traditional items—are now being sold both within the country and abroad. He also mentioned that the Union Budget has laid special emphasis on women empowerment.
The Chief Minister further stated that Tripura currently ranks third in literacy among Indian states. Improvement in the law and order situation has boosted investor confidence, resulting in increased interest from investors from outside the state. Referring to national security, he said that India’s success in Operation Sindoor, with the use of indigenous weapons, reflects the strength of the Prime Minister’s strategic leadership. He added that under the vision of “Viksit Bharat 2047,” Tripura is also steadily progressing towards becoming a developed state.
Addressing social issues, Dr. Saha termed child marriage as a social curse and stressed that its prevention requires collective efforts from not only the administration but also parents, public representatives, and all sections of society. He said fairs are not merely about entertainment, but also serve as platforms for cultural integration. He added that development works across sectors, including improved connectivity, are continuing across the state.
The welcome address was delivered by Sipahijala District Magistrate Dr. Siddharth Shiv Jaiswal, while the programme was presided over by Sabhadhipati of Sipahijala Zilla Parishad, Supriya Das Dutta. During the event, eight village committees and gram panchayats from three blocks—Jampuijala, Charilam, and Nalchar—were felicitated for being child-marriage-free over the last six months.
Among others present at the programme were MLA Antara Sarkar Deb, TTADC MDC Padmalochan Tripura, Superintendent of Police Bijoy Debbarma, Additional District Magistrate Subhash Dutta, along with Sub-Divisional Magistrates and BDOs from various blocks of the district.
A total of 85 stalls have been set up at the district-level SARAS Mela by self-help groups, the Tripura Rural Livelihood Mission, and various government departments. The fair will continue till February 7, with daily cultural performances by local, state, and outstation artists.
