A seminar on SC/ST reservation held in Agartala discussed challenges, constitutional rights, and future pathways, with Tripura ministers highlighting government commitment, policy implementation, and socio-economic empowerment of Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe communities.
Agartala witnessed an important intellectual and policy-oriented discussion on social justice as a seminar titled “SC/ST Reservation: Present Context, Challenges and the Road Ahead” was held on Sunday at the Muktadhara Auditorium. The seminar was jointly organized by the Tripura Tribal Officers Welfare Forum (TTOWF), the All Tripura SC Officers Welfare Society, and the Tipra Engineers Society, bringing together policymakers, administrators, retired officials, and community leaders.
The event focused on evaluating the current status of Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) reservation policies, identifying key challenges in implementation, and outlining future strategies to ensure inclusive development and constitutional equity in Tripura.
Minister for SC Welfare, Sudhangshu Das, attended the seminar as the chief guest and highlighted the importance of constructive dialogue on reservation and constitutional rights. Addressing the gathering, Das said such platforms play a crucial role in reviewing the effectiveness of government initiatives aimed at uplifting marginalized communities.
“Seminars like this are vital because they allow us to revisit the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution and examine how effectively these rights are being implemented. Our duty is to ensure that SC and ST communities are able to fully enjoy these rights,” Das stated.
He further emphasized that the state government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha, remains committed to proactive implementation of reservation policies across education, employment, and welfare sectors. According to the minister, both state-funded and centrally sponsored schemes are currently being executed to promote socio-economic empowerment of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in Tripura.
Das also assured participants that recommendations emerging from the seminar would not be ignored. “If there are areas where further improvements are required for the holistic development of SC and ST communities, the government will certainly take necessary steps,” he added.
Forest Minister Animesh Debbarma, who attended the seminar as a guest of honour, underlined the constitutional importance of protecting the rights of marginalized groups. He stated that reservation policies are not merely administrative tools but essential instruments for social justice and dignity.
“Such seminars strengthen the spirit of the Constitution. Reservation has enabled many historically neglected communities to participate in governance and live with dignity. Today’s discussion should help us identify gaps and explore ways to strengthen reservation policies further,” Debbarma said.
Several speakers during the seminar acknowledged that reservation policies have played a significant role in ensuring representation and empowerment of SC and ST communities. However, they also pointed out persistent challenges such as lack of awareness, uneven implementation, and the need for continuous policy review.
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The seminar concluded with a collective call for sustained dialogue, stronger policy mechanisms, and shared responsibility among government institutions, civil society, and community organizations. Participants emphasized that safeguarding the rights and dignity of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes is essential for building an inclusive and equitable future for Tripura.
