Agartala, Nov 15: Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha today said that the state government is particularly committed to the socio-economic development of the janajati community.
He said that the progress of the state is not possible without the development of the janajati community, and the present state government is working for their welfare following the path shown by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Dr. Saha said this at a function organized on the occasion of Janjatiya Gaurav Divas at the Khumpui Academy in Khumulwng.
Speaking at the function, Dr. Saha said that today, because of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we are getting to know about Bhagwan Birsa Munda.
"We all know that the Prime Minister announced the celebration of Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas on November 15 every year to honor the role of the janajati community in India's freedom struggle. Bhagwan Birsa Munda is called a legendary leader. Prime Minister Modi has understood the need to highlight his valor and heroism. Birsa Munda was born on November 15, 1875. Today, we celebrate the birthday of Birsa Munda," he said.
He added that, like last year, this year too, Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas is being celebrated through various programs.
"At the national level, this program is being celebrated in the Narmada district of Gujarat. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the event there. The main program in Tripura has been organized at Khumpui Academy in Khumulwng. Apart from this, arrangements have been made to celebrate this day through various programs across the state. The state government is particularly committed to the socio-economic development of the janajati community. Due to this continuous effort, Tripura has recently won three national awards," said Dr. Saha.
The Chief Minister also said at the event that the state government has taken several decisions.
"I am announcing some of the initiatives taken by the government in the interest of the people from today's event. Currently, 34,000 students are being given hostel scholarships. In the current financial year, 2,700 more seats will be added in various student hostels. The hostel scholarship rate will be increased from the current Rs. 80 to Rs. 100 per day per student from December 1, 2025. For this, an additional Rs. 8 crore 81 lakh will be spent in the financial year 2025–26 and Rs. 23 crore 35 lakh in the next financial year 2026–27," said Dr. Saha.
Dr. Saha announced that a boys' hostel with 100 beds will be built for college students in Abhaynagar, Agartala, at a cost of Rs. 5 crore 74 lakh.
He informed that under the Chief Minister's Tribal Development Mission, solar energy–based water purification systems along with composite solar units will be installed in 50 tribal government hostels with financial assistance of Rs. 19 crore.
Tribal Welfare Minister Bikas Debbarma, Industries and Commerce Minister Santana Chakma, Forest Minister Animesh Debbarma, MP Rajib Bhattacharjee, MP Kriti Devi Debbarma, Chief Secretary J. K. Sinha, DGP Anurag, along with other public representatives and senior officials, were present as distinguished guests at the event.
Janajati development crucial for nation’s progress: CM
In a separate event, Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha today said that the development of the Janajati community is extremely important, and that no state or country can progress without their upliftment.
He said that the present government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is giving top priority to the overall development of Janajatis.
The Chief Minister said this while participating in a procession organized today from Umakanta Maidan in Agartala on the occasion of Janjatiya Gaurav Divas.
Dr. Saha said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is leading the nation forward with a strong commitment to inclusive development.
“Various initiatives have been undertaken to honour the Janajati community in line with the vision of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas. No previous Prime Minister has shown such dedication toward acknowledging the contribution of Janajati communities during the freedom struggle. Special activities have also been initiated to honour Bhagwan Birsa Munda on his 150th birth anniversary. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we are observing a year-long celebration of this occasion from November 15, 2024, to November 15, 2025,” he added.
Dr. Saha further mentioned that today, on November 15, Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to make several major announcements from Gujarat ahead of Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas.
“The development of Janajatis is essential. Without their progress, neither the state nor the country can move forward under any circumstances,” he said.
Extending his greetings, the Chief Minister said, “On the occasion of Janjatiya Gaurav Divas, I convey my heartfelt greetings and best wishes to all the people of Tripura.”
Tribal Welfare Minister Bikas Debbarma, BJP State General Secretary Bipin Debbarma, and other prominent leaders accompanied the Chief Minister during the program. The march passed through various routes of the capital city.