Union Minister Durga Das Uikey reviews tribal welfare schemes in Tripura, discusses development challenges with tribal leaders, and meets state officials to accelerate infrastructure, education, and livelihood initiatives for indigenous communities.
Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs, Durga Das Uikey, on Tuesday undertook a comprehensive review of tribal welfare initiatives during his official visit to Tripura, holding detailed discussions with tribal leaders and senior state government representatives to assess the progress of development schemes aimed at indigenous communities.
The Union minister participated in an interaction programme with tribal leaders at the Gomati district circuit house, where representatives from various indigenous groups highlighted long-standing challenges affecting their social and economic development. Issues related to access to education, healthcare, employment opportunities, land rights, and effective delivery of welfare benefits were raised during the open dialogue.
Tribal leaders urged the Centre and the state government to strengthen coordination to ensure that centrally sponsored schemes reach beneficiaries in remote and tribal-dominated areas. They emphasized the need for faster implementation, transparency, and grassroots-level monitoring to address gaps in infrastructure and livelihood support.
According to officials present at the meeting, Durga Das Uikey assured the participants that the Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs remains committed to inclusive development and empowerment of indigenous communities. He reiterated that tribal welfare is a national priority and stressed the importance of community participation in shaping development policies.
Later in the day, Tripura Tribal Welfare Minister Bikash Debbarma held a separate meeting with the Union minister in Agartala, where both leaders reviewed the progress of ongoing welfare programmes and discussed strategies to accelerate development in tribal regions. The meeting focused on improving road connectivity, educational institutions, skill development centres, and sustainable livelihood initiatives.
Official sources said that special attention was given to strengthening infrastructure development, expanding scholarship coverage for tribal students, and enhancing income-generation opportunities through self-help groups and traditional skill promotion. The leaders also discussed measures to ensure timely disbursal of benefits under flagship schemes of the Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
The Union minister highlighted the need for effective convergence between central and state departments to avoid duplication of efforts and ensure maximum impact on the ground. He also underscored the importance of data-driven governance and regular field-level assessments to track outcomes of welfare schemes.
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As part of his visit, Durga Das Uikey offered prayers at the Tripura Sundari temple in Gomati district, one of the state’s most revered religious sites. He sought blessings for peace, inclusive development, and the overall well-being of the people of Tripura, officials said.
The visit is seen as a significant step toward reinforcing the Centre’s commitment to tribal welfare in the northeastern state. With Tripura having a substantial indigenous population, sustained policy focus and effective implementation of development schemes are expected to play a crucial role in improving living standards and ensuring socio-economic justice for tribal communities.
