Will Union Minister Oram Support Tribal Development in Tripura?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Union Minister Jual Oram's commitment to tribal welfare.
- Focus on infrastructure improvements like roads, electricity, and water supply.
- Collaboration with tribal parties for better representation.
- Investment of ₹1,400 crore from the World Bank for tribal development.
- Emphasis on integrating tribals into mainstream development.
New Delhi/Agartala, June 6 (NationPress) Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram has confirmed that the Centre is committed to doing everything within its power to assist in the development and welfare of the tribals in Tripura and their respective regions, as stated by Tripura Tribal Welfare Minister Bikash Debbarma.
On Friday, Minister Debbarma revealed that he had a meeting with Union Minister Oram in New Delhi where they discussed various initiatives and strategies aimed at enhancing the development of tribal regions and the welfare of indigenous communities.
He noted that the Union Minister provided assurances of comprehensive support, guidance, and help for the holistic development of tribal regions and communities.
"I brought attention to critical issues such as roads, electricity and water supply, as well as modern education facilities in areas inhabited by tribals," Minister Debbarma informed the media.
He emphasized that the Union Minister highlighted the importance of integrating all tribal communities into the broader development landscape.
Debbarma further mentioned that the BJP government in Tripura is dedicated to ensuring equal developmental opportunities for both tribal and non-tribal populations.
The ruling BJP has allied with two tribal-centric parties – the Tipra Motha Party (TMP) and the Indigenous People's Front of Tripura (IPFT) to gain electoral support from tribal voters.
The TMP, led by Pradyot Bikram Manikya Debbarma, a former royal family member, currently manages the politically significant Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC), which oversees more than two-thirds of Tripura's 10,491 square kilometers and is home to over 1.2 million people, of whom 90 percent are tribals.
Among Tripura's 60 Assembly seats, 20 are designated for tribal representation.
Earlier, Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha announced that ambitious projects and schemes worth ₹1,400 crore, financed by the World Bank, are currently in progress within the state to enhance the socio-economic conditions of indigenous tribes, noting that previous governments had overlooked their welfare.
The ₹1,400 crore will be allocated under the Tripura Rural Economic Growth and Service Delivery Project (TRESP) to improve the livelihoods and overall socio-economic conditions of the Janajati (tribal) population.
CM Saha stated, "We need to commit ourselves to addressing the tasks that remain unfulfilled and initiate discussions in the upcoming year to advance the state's development."
Tribals make up one-third of Tripura's total population of four million, playing a crucial role in all aspects of life in this northeastern state, including its electoral politics.