In response to serious allegations of corruption in the implementation of the Tripura Rural Economic Growth and Service Delivery Project (TRESP) raised by Congress MLA Sudip Roy Barman, the state government has issued a statement asserting that the project is being executed transparently. Addressing the media at a press conference held at the Secretariat, Tribal Welfare Secretary Brijesh Pandey emphasized the project’s goal of improving the livelihoods and socio-economic conditions of tribal communities across Tripura. The initiative, supported by the World Bank, was launched by the Tribal Welfare Department to target 23 tribal-dominated blocks, including aspirational ones, across eight districts of the state.
Pandey provided a detailed overview of the project, which officially began on March 20, 2024. Jointly financed by the Government of Tripura, the Government of India, and the World Bank, TRESP is set to span six years with a total budget of Rs. 1,400 crore. The World Bank is contributing 80 percent of the funding, while the state government will cover the remaining 20 percent. The initiative is designed to benefit blocks such as Damcherra, Jampui Hills, Manu, Pecharthal, Rupaichari, Shilachari, Karbook, Ampi, Killa, Jampuijala, Belbari, Mandwi, Lefunga, Hezamara, Mungiakami, Padmabil, Raishyabari, Dumboornagar, Ganganagar, Chawmanu, Dasda, Laljhuri, and Tulashikar.
The project will be implemented through the coordinated efforts of several government departments, including the Tribal Welfare Department, Public Works Department (R&B), Secondary Education, Animal Resource Development, Information and Technology, Fisheries, Agriculture, and the Rural Livelihood Mission. Two additional agencies will provide support, while the Tribal Welfare Department will serve as the nodal authority overseeing the project’s execution.
TRESP focuses on three core areas: improving tribal livelihoods, enhancing the quality of education in tribal areas, and developing roads and infrastructure. A sum of Rs. 350.49 crore has been earmarked for livelihood enhancement, Rs. 348.84 crore for education, and Rs. 500.04 crore for infrastructure development. Additionally, Rs. 200.63 crore will be dedicated to project management, capacity building, service delivery, training, and other associated activities.
During the press conference, Subhasish Das, Director of the Tribal Welfare Department, provided an update on the project’s current status and progress. Joint Director V. Darlong was also present at the briefing. The state government reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring transparency and effective implementation of the project, dismissing the allegations of corruption.
