Agartala, Dec 19 (NationPress) The government of Tripura, with backing from the ministries of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) and Tourism, is actively pursuing the goal of establishing the state as a prominent tourism hub aimed at attracting both domestic and international tourists, creating job opportunities, and enhancing revenue, stated Chief Minister Manik Saha on Friday.

During a virtual meeting on Thursday with DoNER Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, the Chief Minister revealed that an approval of Rs 451 crore has been granted for the initiation of 21 tourism-related projects across Tripura.

Speaking at an event hosted by the Tripura Film and Television Institute (TFTI), Saha mentioned that he highlighted the Matabari Tourist Circuit Project during the meeting, which subsequently received approval from the Minister.

Of the total financial commitment, Rs 267.5 crore is to be provided by the DoNER Ministry, with the remaining funds sourced through the state government, the Union Tourism Ministry, and partnerships under the public-private partnership (PPP) model.

The Chief Minister expressed his appreciation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Minister Scindia for their unwavering support and collaboration in the advancement of Tripura.

Saha remarked that films are a reflection of society, capable of illustrating its past, present, and future, while also raising awareness about both the positive and negative facets of social life.

He made these comments during the launch of an initiative called ‘Tripura Culture and Heritage Land’ at Rabindra Shatabarshiki Bhavan, organized by the TFTI and the Department of Information and Cultural Affairs (ICA).

At the event, certificates were presented to students who completed the academic session of 2024-25 at TFTI, alongside graduation certificates for artists recognized in various categories by the state.

The Chief Minister encouraged TFTI students to make a positive impact on society through their creativity. He emphasized that the state government is dedicated to evolving TFTI into the premier film and television institution in the entire Northeastern region, with efforts underway to secure land for its permanent infrastructure and upgrade it to a University.

“The youth of Tripura possess immense talent. They should channel their skills to forge their paths, and the government will support them,” Saha stated, noting that states like Assam and Manipur are leading in regional film production, urging Tripura’s youth to advance the state's film industry with their talent and governmental backing.

Highlighting that talent draws resources, the Chief Minister advised that financial limitations should not hinder artistic endeavors. He reiterated the Prime Minister’s belief that students and the youth are the future of the nation, asserting that all development strategies are being crafted with their welfare in mind.

Saha added that the state government is rolling out various welfare initiatives for all societal segments and is looking for ways to ensure financial independence by allowing students to pursue professional courses at TFTI.

Tourism Minister Sushanta Chowdhury, Secretary P.K. Chakraborty, Vice-Chancellor of Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute, Kolkata, Samiran Dutta, TFTI Advisor Biplab Goswami, Vice-Chairman of the State-level Cultural Advisory Committee Subrata Chakraborty, ICA Director Bimbisar Bhattacharjee, and other dignitaries were in attendance at the event.