Congress MLA Gopal Chandra Roy demanded an ‘Annapurna Bhandar’ financial assistance scheme for women in Tripura, citing West Bengal’s initiative. He also criticised inflation, privatisation, and the BJP government while remembering former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi’s technological vision and national contributions.
A demand for direct financial assistance to women in Tripura was raised by Congress MLA Gopal Chandra Roy during a programme organised to observe the death anniversary of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi on Thursday. Addressing party workers and supporters, Roy urged the state government to introduce a welfare initiative similar to West Bengal’s recently announced “Annapurna Bhandar” scheme.
Roy said that women in West Bengal are expected to receive financial support of Rs 3,000 each under the scheme from June 1 and questioned why a similar programme could not be introduced in Tripura. According to him, women in the state are also facing economic hardships and deserve direct assistance from the government to improve their financial stability and living conditions.
The Congress MLA pointed out that the BJP-led government has remained in power in Tripura for the past eight years and argued that stronger welfare measures should have already been implemented for women and economically weaker sections. He appealed to women across the state to raise their voices collectively and demand financial support from the government, stating that economic empowerment is essential for social progress.
The remarks were made during a memorial programme organised by Congress leaders and workers to pay tribute to Rajiv Gandhi on his death anniversary. Senior Congress members, including Youth Congress president Neel Kamal Saha, participated in the event and offered floral tributes before a portrait of the former Prime Minister.
Remembering Rajiv Gandhi’s role in shaping modern India, Roy praised the late Congress leader for promoting technology-driven development and modernisation policies at a time when such ideas faced criticism from several political parties. He said Rajiv Gandhi had envisioned a progressive India built on technological advancement, digital systems, and modern infrastructure.
Roy stated that many people had opposed the introduction of computers and technology during Rajiv Gandhi’s tenure, claiming it would increase unemployment. However, he argued that modern technology has now become an inseparable part of daily life and political functioning. According to him, even political party offices and government systems today depend heavily on computers, digital communication, and modern technological tools.
Highlighting Rajiv Gandhi’s long-term vision, Roy claimed that the former Prime Minister laid the foundation for India’s digital transformation and technological growth. He added that the benefits of those reforms are now visible across sectors including administration, education, communication, and governance.
The Congress MLA also criticised the ruling BJP government over economic issues, alleging that several public sector undertakings established during Congress governments, beginning from the tenure of former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, have either been weakened or privatised under the current administration.
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In addition, Roy expressed concern over rising prices of essential commodities and fuel. He claimed that inflation has increased the financial burden on ordinary citizens and that common people are struggling to manage household expenses amid continuously rising costs. According to him, immediate policy measures and welfare schemes are necessary to provide relief to economically vulnerable sections of society, particularly women and low-income families in Tripura.
