Agartala, January 16, 2026: In a significant push for tribal welfare, the Tripura government has allocated ₹322 crore in the 2024–25 financial year for the development of over 65,000 Reang tribal families under the PM Janman initiative, Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha announced on Thursday. The funds have been directed toward improving essential services such as drinking water, housing, electrification, education, healthcare, and road connectivity.

The Chief Minister made the announcement while inaugurating the state-level Tarlak Kut 2026 festival at Darchey in Kumarghat, emphasizing the government’s commitment to the holistic development of the janajati communities.

“Our government is working tirelessly for the economic, social, and cultural upliftment of the janajati. Infrastructure projects, especially in remote tribal areas, are being implemented with NABARD support to enhance connectivity and improve livelihoods,” Dr. Saha said.

He highlighted the inclusion of the Darlong community in the Scheduled Tribes list as a landmark step, noting their rich contributions to education and culture. “The Tarlak Kut festival, a traditional harvest celebration of the Darlong community, showcases their unity and heritage. It will now be a permanent fixture in the state’s Information and Cultural Affairs Department calendar,” he added.

Dr. Saha also pointed to other key initiatives, including: Maximum compensation for land acquired from tribal communities for road construction; Financial assistance through the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC); Declaration of August 19 as a public holiday to honor Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur, with statues installed at Agartala airport and Kaman Chowmuhoni; Identification of 12 tribal-dominated areas as aspirational blocks, with an additional 10% budget allocation for their development; and Provision of smart classrooms in tribal hostels to enhance educational access.

The event was attended by Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Tinku Roy, Unakoti Zilla Parishad Sabhadhipati Amlendu Das, MLA Bhagaban Das, and senior officials including ICA Secretary Dr. P. K. Chakraborty and Unakoti District Magistrate Dr. Tamal Majumdar.

The programme was organized by Darlong Hnam Inzom in collaboration with ICA Department, Tribal Welfare Department and North Eastern Council.

Fraternal delegates such as Kaipeng, Hrangkhawl, Chorei, Ranglong, Hmar Youth Association were felicitated. Each of the Fraternal delegates displayed their respective cultural dance. Clean Village, Green Village of the Darlongs were awarded. Souvenir was released namely ‘Darlong Hmasawna Lampui’.