What ambitious initiatives has the BJP government launched for tribal development?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Comprehensive development initiatives for tribal welfare
- Rs 1,400 crore project funded by World Bank
- Focus on education, healthcare, and infrastructure
- Commitment to preserving indigenous culture
- Refutation of funding shortage allegations
Agartala, July 26 (NationPress) The BJP government in Tripura has launched multiple ambitious initiatives aimed at the comprehensive development of the tribal population, which makes up one-third of the state's four million residents, stated Chief Minister Manik Saha on Saturday.
During an event to honor high-achieving students, the Chief Minister dismissed claims of a financial deficit in the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) and revealed that the state government has initiated a Rs 1,400 crore World Bank-supported project specifically for the advancement of tribal regions.
With assistance from Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, the state secured the Rs 1,400 crore project from the World Bank in a remarkably short time frame, he noted.
Saha urged everyone involved not to express “unwarranted” worries regarding funding shortages in the TTAADC, which governs approximately two-thirds of Tripura's 10,491 sq km area and is inhabited by over 1.2 million individuals, with around 84 percent belonging to tribal communities.
“Some individuals are raising concerns about a funding crisis in the TTAADC areas both in the Assembly and beyond. I have addressed this previously,” Saha responded, indirectly countering ongoing assertions from the Tipra Motha Party (TMP), a partner in the ruling BJP coalition.
The TMP has administered the TTAADC since April 2021.
The Chief Minister remarked that there are 700 tribal communities across India, with 20 tribal communities in Tripura alone.
“The state government has implemented numerous schemes and initiatives for the comprehensive development and welfare of tribal populations. Each year, the financial support for Tripura is increasing,” he stated.
“With all forms of assistance and support from the Central government under the leadership of our Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the state government is diligently working for the welfare of individuals from Scheduled Tribes,” Saha affirmed.
In addition to programs sponsored by the Central government, the Chief Minister highlighted various state-led efforts aimed at enhancing education, healthcare, road connectivity, and drinking water supply in tribal areas.
He also reiterated the government's commitment to preserving indigenous culture and identity, deeming it a top priority alongside infrastructure development.
So far, the Central government has awarded Padma Shri honors to seven tribal figures for their remarkable contributions across sectors, and a tribal leader from Tripura, Jishnu Dev Varma, has been appointed as the Governor of Telangana. Tribal Welfare Minister Bikas Debbarma and other leaders were present at the event.