Tripura Congress unveils TTAADC poll manifesto promising anti-encroachment task force, improved healthcare, job creation, and stronger tribal rights. The plan focuses on governance reforms, infrastructure, education, and inclusive development for indigenous communities across ADC areas.
The Tripura Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) on Friday unveiled its much-anticipated manifesto for the upcoming elections to the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC), outlining a wide-ranging vision aimed at governance reforms, socio-economic development, and the protection of tribal rights.
The manifesto was formally released at Congress Bhavan in the presence of Saptagiri Sankar Ulaka, the All India Congress Committee (AICC) in-charge for Tripura, and TPCC president Asish Kumar Saha. Senior party leaders described the document as a roadmap for inclusive development and administrative empowerment in tribal-dominated regions of the state.
Focus on Tribal Rights and Constitutional Empowerment
At the core of the manifesto lies a strong emphasis on strengthening constitutional safeguards for tribal communities. The Congress pledged to enhance the powers of the ADC by ensuring full legislative and administrative authority, along with the direct transfer of central funds to the council.
The party also advocated for the passage of the 125th Constitutional Amendment Bill, which aims to expand the powers of autonomous councils under the Sixth Schedule. Congress leaders alleged that despite repeated demands from northeastern states, including Tripura, there has been little progress in addressing key issues related to tribal autonomy.
Highlighting its historical contributions, Saha stated that the Congress had played a crucial role in advancing tribal welfare in the state, citing milestones such as the establishment of the first Tribal Development Block in 1952 and the formation of the TTAADC in 1984. He also referenced the 1988 tripartite accord with the Tripura National Volunteers (TNV), which significantly enhanced tribal political representation.
Governance Reforms and Anti-Corruption Measures
The manifesto lays out a comprehensive governance reform agenda, promising mandatory social audits for all development projects and a strict zero-tolerance policy towards corruption. It also proposes strengthening grievance redressal mechanisms and making asset disclosures compulsory for elected representatives.
A key highlight is the proposal to set up a dedicated anti-encroachment task force to address illegal land occupation in ADC areas. The party also committed to digitising land records to ensure transparency and prevent disputes.
Land, Forest, and Agriculture Initiatives
Addressing long-standing concerns related to land and forest rights, the Congress proposed promoting community forest management and introducing minimum support price (MSP) mechanisms for jhum cultivation, a traditional agricultural practice in the region.
The manifesto also emphasised improving irrigation facilities and strengthening agricultural market linkages to boost farmers’ incomes and ensure sustainable livelihoods.
Education and Skill Development Push
In the education sector, the party promised to create and fill posts for Kokborok language teachers, alongside scholarships and training programmes for students from tribal communities. It also proposed setting up skill development centres across ADC areas to enhance employability and support youth empowerment.
Healthcare Expansion and Welfare Measures
The Congress outlined an ambitious healthcare plan, including the operationalisation of all health and wellness centres and the upgradation of hospitals to 50-bed facilities. The manifesto also promises mobile medical units, adequate staffing of doctors and nurses, and the availability of essential medicines.
Additionally, the party pledged to establish de-addiction centres in every zone, aiming to tackle substance abuse issues in tribal regions.
Infrastructure and Economic Development
Infrastructure development forms a key pillar of the manifesto, with promises to ensure road connectivity to all villages, access to safe drinking water, and improved sanitation facilities. The party also proposed building modern sports complexes and developing planned “smart towns” within ADC areas.
To boost employment, the Congress promised transparent recruitment processes to fill existing vacancies, incentives for small and cottage industries, and improved support for handicrafts and local enterprises.
Cultural Preservation and Identity
Recognising the importance of cultural heritage, the manifesto commits to preserving tribal identity through the promotion of the Kokborok language, including the introduction of Roman script. It also emphasises protecting traditional festivals, attire, and art forms.
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The Congress stated that its vision is to create a transparent, accountable, and people-centric ADC that safeguards tribal rights while ensuring sustainable and inclusive development.
