Agartala, Nov 6 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Tripura, Manik Saha, stated on Thursday that true development in the state cannot be achieved without addressing the needs of the Janajati (tribal) communities. He revealed that the state government has earmarked over 40 percent of the budget for 2025–26 specifically for the enhancement of regions inhabited by tribal populations.

During the launch of a toolkit distribution event aimed at skilled Reang tribal candidates, as well as the inauguration of several infrastructure projects in the Dhalai district, the Chief Minister emphasized that the welfare of tribal communities is a top priority for the BJP government in Tripura.

He also distributed six autorickshaws to local youth under the Swabalamban Yojana, which provides a subsidy of Rs 1 lakh.

Additionally, Chief Minister Saha, who oversees the Secondary Education portfolio, virtually inaugurated new facilities, including the Chawmanu Class 12 school, a fire station, the executive engineer's office, and a research and development department office in Manu.

"We are offering skill training to Reang tribal individuals through the PM Kaushalya Yojana and the Mukhyamantri Dakkhata Yojana," he stated.

He added that during Union Home Minister Amit Shah's visit to the Reang settlement camps in Dhalai last year, various support services, including housing and water supply, were extended to the Reang tribes.

Moreover, the state government is committed to enhancing their skills to facilitate sustainable income opportunities, he noted.

The Skill Development department is diligently working to provide training, and the Bru community has expressed gratitude towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi for these initiatives. "Providing employment is important, but equipping individuals with skills is essential for sustainable job opportunities," he remarked.

The Chief Minister pointed out that for the last 23 years, no political entity has taken meaningful steps to address the Reang people's concerns. "Since the BJP took office in Tripura in 2018, we have resolved their issues on humanitarian grounds. Our government is dedicated to their development," he affirmed.

He noted that a quadripartite agreement was signed on January 16, 2020, involving the Centre, Tripura, Mizoram governments, and the Reang tribes for their settlement, with resettlement provided in 12 locations across Tripura.

The state government has disbursed toolkits to 895 individuals and issued driving licenses to 200, incurring an expenditure of Rs 1.45 crore.

Under the Tripura Skill and Entrepreneurship Policy 2024, launched last year to foster employment, 35,000 new trainees are currently receiving training in AI, renewable energy, IT services, and healthcare.

"Tripura is among the states where we have identified skilled workers to be sent to Japan. Five youths have already been dispatched, and four more will follow soon. Additionally, 60 individuals are learning the Japanese language," he revealed. He urged the opposition to refrain from spreading negative narratives about job creation.

In the previous budget for 2024–25, totaling Rs 27,000 crore, the state allocated Rs 6,645 crore for Janajati area development, approximately 39.06 percent.

For the fiscal year 2025–26, the government has dedicated over 40 percent of its budget towards the development of education, sports, and healthcare in Janajati regions.

"We have also secured externally aided funds for the upliftment of Janajati areas. Without their development, Tripura cannot progress," the Chief Minister concluded.

During the event, several notable figures were in attendance, including Industries and Commerce Minister Santana Chakma, MLA Sambhu Lal Chakma, Secretary Kiran Gitte, Dhalai District Magistrate Vivek H B, and Director of the Skill Development Department Pradeep K.