Tripura CM Manik Saha reiterates tribal development, announces hostel scholarship hike
Agartala: Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Saturday reiterated that the overall progress of Tripura is closely linked to the development of the Janajati community, adding that the state government is prioritising targeted welfare initiatives for tribal populations in line with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Addressing a programme organised on the occasion of Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas at Khumpui Academy in Khumulwang, the Chief Minister said the nation today recognises the contributions of Bhagwan Birsa Munda due to the efforts of the Prime Minister, who declared 15 November as Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas to honour the role of tribal communities in India’s freedom struggle.
Saha said Birsa Munda, born on 15 November 1875, remains a symbol of courage and resistance, and the annual observance of this day aims to highlight his legacy for younger generations.
He added that, similar to last year, programmes are being held across the state as part of the celebration.
The Chief Minister said the national-level function is being organised in the Narmada district of Gujarat, where the Prime Minister will address the gathering, while the main state-level programme is being held at Khumpui Academy.
He added that events have been planned across Tripura to mark the day, emphasising that sustained efforts towards tribal welfare have helped the state secure three national awards recently.
Announcing a series of decisions during the event, Saha said 34,000 students are currently receiving hostel scholarships and that 2,700 additional seats will be introduced in various hostels during the current financial year.
He announced that the hostel scholarship rate will be revised from Rs 80 to Rs 100 per day per student, effective 1 December 2025.
The enhanced rate will involve an additional expenditure of Rs 8 crore 81 lakh in 2025–26 and Rs 23 crore 35 lakh in 2026–27.
The Chief Minister said a new 100-bed boys’ hostel for college students will be constructed at Abhaynagar in Agartala at an estimated cost of Rs 5 crore 74 lakh.
He added that, under the Chief Minister’s Tribal Development Mission, solar energy–based water purification systems and composite solar units will be installed in 50 tribal government hostels with financial support of Rs 19 crore.
Tribal Welfare Minister Bikas Debbarma, Industries and Commerce Minister Santana Chakma, Forest Minister Animesh Debbarma, MPs Rajib Bhattacharjee and Kriti Devi Debbarma, Chief Secretary J. K. Sinha, DGP Anurag, and other elected representatives and senior officials attended the programme.