Agartala, Mar 10: Emphasizing inclusive development and social harmony, Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha on Tuesday said that the identity of a person should be defined by good deeds rather than religion.

He also highlighted the state government’s efforts to improve the socio-economic condition of religious minorities.

The Chief Minister was speaking at a programme organized by the Minority Welfare Department at Pragya Bhavan, where he inaugurated the “Mukhyamantri Sankhyalagu Unnayan Prakalpa” and distributed loan assistance to beneficiaries.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Saha said the state government has been implementing multiple initiatives to strengthen the education sector and create livelihood opportunities for minority communities.

The government is working to empower people belonging to religious minorities through education and various welfare schemes so that they can become economically and socially stronger, he said.

Highlighting the importance of education, the Chief Minister stated that the development of any religion or community is not possible without the spread of education.

Education is the key to progress, and people from minority communities must move forward with a competitive mindset to achieve faster advancement, he added.

Dr. Saha said, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been focusing on ensuring overall development of minority communities, including expanding educational opportunities, in line with the principle of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas.”

He also noted that efforts are being made at the national level to promote unity among different communities and free society from social superstitions to build a stronger and more inclusive India.

During the event, the Chief Minister formally launched the scheme by pressing a button and handed over cheques worth Rs 16 lakh to 11 beneficiaries, aimed at supporting higher education and self-employment initiatives among students and families from minority communities.

Dr. Saha further said that unity in diversity remains India’s greatest strength.

Minority communities have a rich heritage and traditional skills, and the government is committed to supporting them through development-oriented programmes, including initiatives to make minority women self-reliant, he said.

Minority Welfare Minister Shukla Charan Noatia, who attended the programme as a special guest, said that in the initial phase the scheme is expected to benefit around 1,500 minority families in the state.

Among others present at the programme were Mayor and MLA Dipak Majumder, MLA Tafajjal Hossain, Chairman of Tripura Minority Cooperative Development Corporation Jasim Uddin, Chairman of Tripura Waqf Board Mobsar Ali, Chairman of Tripura State Haj Committee Shah Alam and former minister Billal Mia.