Agartala: The Tripura cabinet has approved three new welfare schemes, including the Chief Minister’s Balika Samriddhi Yojana, to promote women’s empowerment and curb child marriage, Food and Civil Supplies Minister Sushanta Chowdhury announced on Tuesday.
Under the Balika Samriddhi Yojana, up to two girl children born in Antyodaya families will receive a fixed deposit of Rs 50,000 each at birth. The amount will mature when the beneficiary turns 18, provided she remains unmarried until then.
“The mother must be at least 18 years and nine months old at the time of delivery, and the birth should take place in a government health facility. The scheme disqualifies any beneficiary who marries before turning 18. This initiative will play a vital role in preventing child marriage in the state,” Chowdhury said.
The cabinet also approved a new scheme under the Industries and Commerce Department to provide loans of up to Rs 1 crore to women entrepreneurs, offering an additional 5% subsidy compared to male entrepreneurs.
“We expect many Lakhpati Didis to emerge with innovative business ideas, while existing women-led units will get a boost to expand their operations,” the minister said.
Additionally, the cabinet cleared Sankhalaghu Unnayan Prakalpa, a welfare initiative for religious minorities with a total allocation of Rs 1.5 crore. Under the scheme, eligible beneficiaries will receive a Rs 10,000 grant—disbursed in two installments of Rs 5,000 each—to set up small enterprises focusing on poultry, dairy, and duckery units.
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Chowdhury added that the council of ministers also approved a proposal to fill 104 managerial posts in the Tripura State Electricity Corporation Limited (TSECL).
