Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha announced that over 40% of the 2025–26 state budget has been allocated for the development of tribal areas, emphasizing inclusive growth through education, skills, and infrastructure for Janajati communities across the state.
Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha on Thursday reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to the upliftment of tribal communities, announcing that more than 40 per cent of the 2025–26 budget has been earmarked for the development of tribal-inhabited areas.
Speaking at a state-level toolkit distribution ceremony for skilled Reang tribal candidates and inaugurating multiple infrastructure projects in Dhalai district, Dr. Saha said, “Overall development of Tripura is not possible without uplifting the Janajati areas. Our government prioritizes the socio-economic welfare and empowerment of tribal people.”
The event, held in the presence of Industries and Commerce Minister Santana Chakma, MLA Sambhu Lal Chakma, and other senior officials, marked another milestone in the state’s push for inclusive growth.
Empowering Reang Tribals Through Skills and Employment
At the ceremony, six autorickshaws were handed over to local youths under the Swabalamban Yojana, a self-employment scheme through which beneficiaries receive a subsidy of ₹1 lakh. The Chief Minister highlighted that the state is continuously focusing on skill-based employment initiatives, particularly for the Reang (Bru) tribal community.
“Under the PM Kaushalya Yojana and Mukhyamantri Dakkhata Yojana, we provide skill training to Reang tribal people to make them self-reliant. Not only providing jobs, but skill development is essential to ensure sustainable employment,” Saha emphasized.
The Chief Minister further added that during Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s visit to the Reang settlement camps in Dhalai last year, several welfare measures were implemented, including housing, drinking water facilities, and livelihood support.
“The Skill Development Department is working tirelessly, and many Reang people have expressed their happiness and gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. We are ensuring that every tribal youth can live with dignity and stability,” Saha said.
Historic Steps in Resolving Reang Tribal Issues
Dr. Saha also reminded that for over two decades, no political party had taken meaningful steps to resolve the issues faced by the Reang (Bru) community.
“It was only after the BJP came to power in 2018 that the government addressed the long-pending Reang tribal rehabilitation issue on humanitarian grounds. Following a series of negotiations, the quadripartite agreement was signed on January 16, 2020, between the Centre, Tripura, Mizoram governments and Reang representatives. This paved the way for their resettlement across 12 locations in Tripura,” he said.
As part of the rehabilitation drive, the state government distributed toolkits to 895 individuals and driving licences to 200 beneficiaries, investing ₹1.45 crore for the initiative.
Skill Development for a Future-Ready Tripura
Highlighting the government’s broader employment agenda, the Chief Minister noted that under the Tripura Skill and Entrepreneurship Policy 2024, around 35,000 new candidates are undergoing training in advanced sectors like artificial intelligence, renewable energy, IT services, and healthcare.
“Tripura has become one of the states that are sending skilled workers to Japan. Five youths have already been sent, four more will follow soon, and 60 others are learning the Japanese language,” Saha said.
He also countered opposition criticism regarding unemployment, stating, “The Opposition keeps saying our government is not providing jobs. I urge them to look at the data and the ongoing training programmes before spreading negativity.”
A Budget for Balanced and Inclusive Development
In the 2024–25 state budget of ₹27,000 crore, the government had allocated ₹6,645 crore — about 39.06 per cent — for Janajati area development. For 2025–26, the allocation has risen to over 40 per cent, focusing on education, sports, health, and infrastructure in tribal regions.
“We are also mobilizing externally aided funds for Janajati areas. Without the development of these regions, Tripura as a whole cannot progress,” Dr. Saha remarked, underscoring the government’s policy of inclusive governance.
The Chief Minister also virtually inaugurated several new public infrastructure projects, including the Chawmanu Class 12 School building, a fire station, an executive engineer’s office, a research and development department building, and a wayside amenity at Manu.
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With these initiatives, Tripura continues to strengthen its commitment toward bridging the developmental divide between tribal and non-tribal regions, ensuring equal access to opportunities, resources, and modern amenities.
