Tripura emerges as a national leader in rural women entrepreneurship with over 1.08 lakh Lakhpati Didis, Governor Indra Sena Reddy Nallu announces, highlighting women empowerment, literacy achievements, education reforms, tourism growth, and infrastructure expansion.
Tripura has emerged as a national frontrunner in rural women entrepreneurship, with more than 1.08 lakh women achieving ‘Lakhpati Didi’ status, Governor Indra Sena Reddy Nallu said on Monday, highlighting the state’s rapid socio-economic transformation driven by women-led development initiatives.
A Lakhpati Didi refers to a woman member of a Self-Help Group (SHG) whose annual household income has crossed Rs 1 lakh, largely through sustainable livelihood activities supported by government programmes.
Addressing the main Republic Day celebration at the Assam Rifles ground in Agartala, Governor Reddy Nallu said women empowerment remains one of the highest priority sectors of the Tripura government. He credited targeted policies, financial inclusion, skill development, and SHG-based entrepreneurship for transforming rural women into income generators and community leaders.
“The achievement of over one lakh Lakhpati Didis places Tripura among the top-performing states in the country in terms of rural women entrepreneurship,” the Governor said, adding that this success reflects the state’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable development.
New Schemes for Girl Child Welfare and Social Security
To further strengthen women-centric governance, the Governor announced the launch of the Mukhyamantri Balika Samriddhi Yojana (MBSY). The scheme aims to support higher education of girl children from Antyodaya families and curb the practice of child marriage.
Under the scheme, a one-time financial assistance of Rs 50,000 will be provided to each eligible girl child born on or after April 1, 2025. The benefit will be limited to two girl children per Antyodaya family, ensuring focused and equitable distribution of resources.
In addition, the state government has introduced the Mukhyamantri Kanya Bibaha Yojana during the 2025–26 financial year. Under this initiative, a girl aged 18 years and above from an Antyodaya family will receive Rs 50,000 as financial assistance for marriage, aimed at ensuring dignity, safety, and social security.
Historic Milestone in Education
Highlighting achievements in the education sector, Governor Reddy Nallu said Tripura created history by being declared a fully literate state on June 23, 2025, becoming the third state in India to attain this status.
Through effective implementation of the ULLAS – New India Literacy Programme, the state’s literacy rate has reached 95.6 per cent, significantly higher than the national average. The Governor described this milestone as a foundation for long-term human capital development and economic growth.
Strengthening Higher Education Infrastructure
The Governor also announced major reforms in higher education. The state government has approved a proposal to upgrade the existing Women’s College into a full-fledged state university named Tripura Government Women’s University, aimed at promoting women’s higher education and research.
Additionally, the government has initiated steps to upgrade the Tripura Institute of Technology (TIT) into a State Technical University, strengthening technical and professional education in the region. A new Women’s College at Nalchar in Sepahijala district is also being established to expand access to higher education for female students.
Tourism and Infrastructure Push
On tourism development, the Governor said projects worth Rs 52.04 crore have been inaugurated at the 524-year-old Mata Tripura Sundari Temple in Gomati district under the PRASHAD scheme of the Union Ministry of Tourism.
Built in 1501 by Maharaja Dhanya Manikya, the temple is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas in India and holds immense spiritual significance.
Further, tourism infrastructure projects worth Rs 179.72 crore, funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), are underway at several heritage sites including Kasba Kalibari, Chaturdash Devtabari, Chabimura, and Unakoti-linked destinations.
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The Union Ministry of Tourism has also approved Rs 97.70 crore to develop replicas of all 51 Shakti Peethas near the Tripura Sundari Temple, positioning Tripura as a global spiritual tourism hub.
Expanding Road Connectivity
On infrastructure, the Governor noted that Tripura currently has six National Highways spanning 923.31 km, with four additional highways covering 229.25 km already sanctioned, significantly improving connectivity and economic prospects.
