Union Minister Durga Das Uikey assures continued Centre support for Janajati development in Tripura, focusing on tribal welfare, education, ecological balance, and inclusive growth through coordinated state and central initiatives.
Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs, Durga Das Uikey, has reaffirmed the Union government’s commitment to the comprehensive development of Janajati communities in Tripura, underscoring the Centre’s continued cooperation with the state government to ensure inclusive growth and social empowerment.
On the final day of his official visit to Tripura, the Union Minister paid a courtesy call on Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha at the Civil Secretariat in Agartala on Wednesday. The high-level meeting focused on a wide range of issues concerning the welfare, upliftment, and sustainable development of tribal communities across the state.
During the discussion, Chief Minister Dr. Saha highlighted the state government’s ongoing efforts to improve the social and economic conditions of Tripura’s tribal population. He emphasized that the government is prioritizing education, healthcare, livelihood opportunities, infrastructure development, and skill enhancement for tribal communities, while ensuring the effective implementation of centrally sponsored and state-run welfare schemes.
The Chief Minister reiterated that Tripura remains committed to the holistic development of Janajati communities and considers the support of the central government crucial in achieving long-term and inclusive progress. He also stressed the importance of strengthening coordination between state and central agencies to maximize the reach and impact of tribal welfare initiatives.
In response, Union Minister Durga Das Uikey assured the Chief Minister that the Centre would continue to extend full cooperation and assistance for the overall development of tribal people in Tripura. He stated that the Ministry of Tribal Affairs is closely monitoring the implementation of welfare schemes and remains open to adopting more inclusive and targeted measures to address region-specific challenges faced by indigenous communities.
Earlier in the day, the Union Minister inaugurated a dedicated “Tribal Corner” at the Bir Chandra Manu Eklavya Model Residential School in Jolaibari, located in South Tripura district. The initiative aims to provide daily-use items such as clothing, food supplies, and other essential materials to support the needs of tribal students and local communities.
Addressing a programme organized on the occasion, Uikey highlighted the rich cultural heritage, traditions, and values of India’s tribal communities. He said that tribal ancestors have historically revered the Earth as a mother, a belief that continues to shape indigenous practices and rituals. According to him, this deep-rooted respect for nature explains why tribal communities across India and the world worship natural elements before any major festival or ceremony.
The Union Minister noted that approximately 12.5 crore tribal people reside across various states, including Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and the Northeastern region. Emphasizing their role as custodians of nature, he said that tribal communities have played a vital role for centuries in preserving forests, biodiversity, and ecological balance.
Uikey further stressed that the government’s development approach seeks to balance modernization with the preservation of tribal identity, culture, and traditional knowledge systems. He added that education and awareness are key tools in empowering tribal youth while ensuring that development does not come at the cost of cultural erosion.
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The programme was attended by ST Corporation Chairman and MLA Rampada Jamatia, South Tripura District Magistrate Mohammed Sajad P, and several senior officials from the tribal welfare and district administration. The event reflected a shared commitment among policymakers and administrators to strengthen initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life for Tripura’s Janajati communities.
