Agartala, Oct 28 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Tripura, Manik Saha, proclaimed on Tuesday that the current state administration is allocating sufficient funds for the advancement of Janajati (Tribal) regions, placing high importance on the comprehensive socio-economic upliftment of tribal communities, who represent one-third of the state's approximately four million residents.

The Chief Minister addressed attendees in Simna, West Tripura, noting that since the BJP government assumed control in 2018, an honorary stipend of Rs 2,000 was initiated for leaders of the Janajati community.

Recently, the Cabinet made a decision to boost that stipend to Rs 5,000. “In the fiscal year 2024-25, nearly Rs 6,500 crore was allocated for the development of the TTAADC (Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council) areas, which constitutes 39.06% of the total spending. For the ongoing financial year (2025-26), approximately Rs 7,149 crore has been earmarked for the TTAADC,” he stated.

During the BJP-organized event, 1,406 voters from 375 families, predominantly tribal, joined the political party. In anticipation of the pivotal elections for the politically significant TTAADC early next year, the BJP has ramped up efforts to reinforce its support among tribal populations.

The Chief Minister expressed concern, without naming any parties or figures, that despite the state's numerous initiatives, various misleading statements are being propagated to confuse the Janajati community.

He urged the public to remain cautious of those who promote divisive politics among castes and tribes, emphasizing the need to unite in the vision of building “Ek Tripura, Srestha Tripura.”

He further noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and BJP National President J.P. Nadda consistently stress that tribal development is crucial.

“They are genuinely committed to the advancement of the Janajatis. Draupadi Murmu, a representative of the Janajati community, has been appointed as President. Since Tripura achieved full statehood, we had not seen a Governor from Tripura until now. Additionally, Jishnu Dev Varma, a member of Tripura’s royal lineage and a seasoned tribal leader, has become the Governor of a significant state like Telangana. In Tripura, we stand united as one nation,”

Saha remarked.

He commented that some individuals are attempting to sow discord among the state's populace, but the BJP adheres to ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas’, and both the government and the party are striving toward that goal. In his address, Saha assured that the BJP administration will take all necessary measures for the progress of tribal communities.

“Efforts are underway in that regard. Previously, students from Classes VI to VIII received a pre-metric scholarship of Rs 400 annually. The blocks in tribal-heavy regions have been designated as aspirational blocks to facilitate further welfare initiatives for the Janajatis. In alignment with this, more funds are being allocated to these blocks in the budget,”

he added.

The event was attended by BJP State President and MP Rajib Bhattacharjee, Tribal Welfare Minister Bikas Debbarma, former MP Rebati Tripura, BJP State General Secretary Bipin Debbarma, among other party dignitaries.