Tripura Power Minister Ratan Lal Nath announces ₹830 crore annual spending on social allowances, highlighting PM Modi’s focus on women empowerment and Divyangjan welfare through 35 welfare schemes and new ₹5,000 monthly aid for persons with intellectual disabilities.
Power Minister Ratan Lal Nath today emphasized the government’s strong commitment towards social welfare and inclusivity, revealing that the state government spends ₹830 crore annually on 35 types of social allowances aimed at uplifting the poor, women, and Divyangjan (persons with disabilities).
Speaking at the Block Level Observation of the 8th Poshan Maah and a distribution program for sanction orders among eligible persons with intellectual disabilities, Nath highlighted the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in driving empowerment across all sections of society.
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been working for the upliftment and empowerment of women and Divyangjan through a range of transformative schemes. His initiatives are designed to strengthen the youth, farmers, and the underprivileged so that we can collectively develop the nation,” said Nath, addressing the event in Mohanpur Block.
On the occasion, the Minister distributed sanction orders to 15 beneficiaries under the block, reaffirming the government’s dedication to inclusive growth.
Empowering Women: The Foundation of Family and Nation
Underscoring the critical role of women in family and nation-building, Nath said, “Our Prime Minister has given the slogan Swasth Naari, Sashakt Parivar. If women are empowered, healthy, and educated, the family and the nation will progress. A mother is the greatest teacher—she can nurture and guide a family more effectively than anyone else.”
He further added that the government’s policy of providing land and housing in the name of women reflects this belief, as “the mother is the root of the family.” Several central and state-level schemes have been launched for women’s empowerment, promoting self-reliance and economic independence among women across India.
Expanding Social Security: ₹830 Crore Annual Expenditure
Highlighting the significant growth in welfare spending, Nath said, “Currently, 3.98 lakh people in Tripura are receiving social allowances. Among these, three categories are funded jointly by the Central and State Governments, while the rest are provided solely by the State Government. Earlier, the government spent around ₹310 crore annually, but now we are spending ₹830 crore 60 lakh per year.”
The minister also emphasized that the government’s commitment to social security has more than doubled since 2018, marking a remarkable rise in investment towards inclusive welfare.
New Scheme for Divyangjan: ₹5,000 Monthly Support
In a major announcement, Nath shared details of a new Chief Minister’s Scheme for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities, aimed at supporting individuals with more than 60% disability, including those suffering from mental illness or cerebral palsy.
“Under this scheme, eligible Divyangjan will receive ₹5,000 per month from September 27, 2025. The first phase will cover 891 beneficiaries, who will receive the amount directly in their bank accounts every month starting October 2025. This will cost the government ₹44.55 lakh initially, and the department plans to expand the scheme to include all eligible individuals soon,” he informed.
Promoting Dignity: The Meaning of ‘Divyangjan’
The Minister also spoke about the shift in terminology from Vikalang to Divyangjan. “The word ‘Divya’ means divine and ‘Aang’ means limb. Thus, Divyangjan refers to persons with divine body parts—those who must be treated with respect and dignity,” he explained.
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He reminded that in 2014, the Government of India officially replaced the term Bikalang with Divyangjan to promote inclusion, acceptance, and respect for people with disabilities, ensuring they are seen as valuable members of society.
Concluding his speech, Nath reiterated that both the Central and State Governments under the leadership of PM Modi are dedicated to building an inclusive India where women, youth, farmers, and differently-abled citizens can thrive with dignity and opportunity.
