Agartala: Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha has said that his government is giving the highest priority to the welfare and development of the state’s tribal population.
Addressing the gathering at Tarlak Kut, the Harvest Festival of the Darlong community, at Kumarghat in Unakoti district on Thursday, Saha said the state government allocates around 40 per cent of its total budgetary outlay exclusively for tribal welfare.
He pointed out that out of Tripura’s total population of nearly 40 lakh, more than 25 lakh people belong to over 40 recognised tribes and sub-tribes.
“The revised estimated budget for the 2024–25 fiscal stood at Rs 30,296 crore. After meeting fixed expenditures, Rs 17,014 crore remained for development activities. Out of this amount, nearly 39 per cent was spent on the overall development of tribal communities,” the chief minister said.
He further stated that in the 2025–26 fiscal year, the government has earmarked Rs 7,149 crore—around 40 per cent of the total budget—for tribal welfare, reflecting the administration’s priorities.
Saha also highlighted that budgetary support to the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) has been significantly increased. He added that several externally funded projects are being implemented in tribal-dominated areas to improve their socio-economic conditions.
“The World Bank has provided Rs 1,400 crore for developing infrastructure and creating livelihood opportunities for indigenous people,” he said.
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The chief minister also mentioned the establishment of Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs) in various tribal regions. “The Centre has approved 15 EMRSs in Tripura to provide quality education to tribal students. Around 10,000 tribal students will be able to study in these schools, which are fully funded by the Ministry of Tribal Welfare,” he added.
Saha reiterated that the state government remains committed to the holistic development and empowerment of the tribal communities of Tripura.
