Tripura CM Manik Saha thanked PM Modi for approving a ₹250 crore Special Development Package for tribal upliftment, as part of the peace accord with NLFT and ATTF. The package aims to boost employment, health, education, tourism, and livelihoods, fostering inclusive growth in Tripura’s tribal areas.
Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha has expressed heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the approval of a ₹250 crore special package aimed at improving the lives of tribal communities in the state. The announcement was made after the Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister, approved a new component under the existing Central Government Scheme of Special Development Package for Tripura.
The package is part of the commitments outlined in the Memorandum of Settlement (MoS) signed between the Government of India, the Government of Tripura, and the erstwhile insurgent groups — the National Liberation Front of Twipra (NLFT) and the All Tripura Tiger Force (ATTF). This initiative marks another significant step toward peace, reconciliation, and development in the state.
A Milestone for Tribal Development
Chief Minister Saha, in a post on his social media handle, welcomed the decision and highlighted its far-reaching benefits. He said the ₹250 crore allocation would focus on improving the socio-economic conditions of vulnerable and marginalised communities, particularly those who have not received adequate benefits from existing government schemes.
“This package will act as a catalyst for development, upliftment, and empowerment of our tribal communities. It will create opportunities for our youth and women, promote education and skilling, and improve access to health services. It will also pave the way for greater tourism in the region, ultimately generating employment and enhancing the livelihood of our people,” Dr. Saha stated.
Core Objectives of the Package
The approved development package includes targeted initiatives designed to:
-
Improve socio-economic conditions of vulnerable and marginalised groups that have remained outside the reach of many government welfare programs.
-
Boost employment opportunities by promoting local enterprises, tourism, and skill development programs.
-
Enhance healthcare access with improved medical infrastructure, mobile health units, and specialised services for remote tribal areas.
-
Promote education and skilling through vocational training, literacy programs, and support for higher education.
-
Empower women and youth by facilitating income-generating activities, micro-enterprises, and self-help groups.
-
Increase tourism inflow from other parts of the country, showcasing Tripura’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, thereby creating more livelihood opportunities.
Link to Peace Accords
The package also reflects the Government’s commitment to honouring the peace agreements signed with former insurgent groups. The MoS with NLFT and ATTF aimed at ending decades of insurgency and violence in Tripura, ensuring lasting peace and inclusive development.
By providing targeted economic and social benefits to tribal areas, the government intends to address historical grievances, build trust, and integrate these communities into the mainstream socio-economic framework.
Impact on the North Eastern Region
Dr. Saha emphasised that the benefits of this initiative would not be limited to Tripura alone. With enhanced tourism infrastructure and better connectivity, the entire North Eastern Region stands to gain from increased tourist inflows and cross-border trade.
“The North East is full of untapped potential. By focusing on sustainable livelihood activities, skilling, and tourism promotion, this package will contribute to the larger vision of transforming the North Eastern states into an economic growth hub,” the Chief Minister said.
Central Government’s Continued Support
Over the past decade, the Central Government has significantly increased funding for the North Eastern states, recognising their unique challenges and development needs. Schemes covering infrastructure, healthcare, education, and agriculture have been rolled out, but targeted packages like this one aim to bridge the last-mile gaps that general schemes often cannot reach.
The ₹250 crore allocation, therefore, stands as both a financial and symbolic commitment to Tripura’s tribal communities — signalling a move toward inclusive growth and long-term stability in the region.
Public Response
The announcement has been welcomed across Tripura, particularly in tribal-dominated areas. Local leaders, civil society organisations, and community elders have expressed optimism that the package will bring tangible benefits on the ground, provided it is implemented efficiently and transparently.
| Also Read: Tripura Speaker hospitalized after sudden collapse at Railway Station |
For many, this initiative is not just about infrastructure or economic activity; it is about recognising the dignity and rights of the state’s indigenous population.
As Tripura moves ahead with its development agenda, this ₹250 crore package could prove to be a pivotal moment — transforming promises made in peace agreements into real, lasting change for the state’s tribal communities.
