Agartala, November 07, 2025: Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha on Thursday asserted that Tripura’s overall development is impossible without the progress of its Janajati (tribal) areas. To ensure inclusive growth, the state government has earmarked over 40% of the 2025–26 budget for the development of Janajati regions, he announced.
Dr. Saha made the remarks while inaugurating the State Level Toolkits Distribution Ceremony for Skilled Bru Candidates. He also virtually inaugurated several new infrastructures, including the Chawmanu Class XII School, Chawmanu Fire Station, Executive Engineer’s office under the RD Department (Manu Division), and a Wayside Amenity at Manu.
Highlighting the government’s focus on self-reliance, the Chief Minister flagged off six autos under the Swabalamban Yojana, which provides a subsidy of ₹1 lakh per beneficiary. He also detailed the ongoing skill development efforts under the PM Kaushalya Yojana and Mukhyamantri Dakkhata Yojana, particularly for the Reang (Bru) community.
“During his visit to the Bru camps, Union Home Minister Amit Shah had emphasized that housing and water alone are not enough—people need skills for sustainable income. Following his vision, our Skill Development Department has been tirelessly training the Bru community, and they have expressed their gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” Dr. Saha said.
The Chief Minister further stated that for 23 years, previous governments had failed to resolve the issues faced by the Bru people. “Since 2018, after the BJP government came to power, we resolved their issues on humanitarian grounds. We are committed to their economic, social, and employment development,” he said.
Dr. Saha informed that toolkits have been distributed to 895 beneficiaries and driving licences to 200 individuals, with an expenditure of ₹1.45 crore. He also highlighted that under the Tripura Skill and Entrepreneurship Policy 2024, around 35,000 youths are currently undergoing training in emerging sectors like AI, renewable energy, IT services, and healthcare.
“Tripura is one of the few states sending skilled workers abroad. Five youths have already been sent to Japan, four more will leave soon, and 60 are learning the Japanese language,” he added, countering opposition claims that the government is not providing employment.
Presenting budget details, Dr. Saha said the 2024–25 state budget was over ₹27,000 crore, with ₹6,645 crore—around 39.06%—allocated for Janajati area development. “In the 2025–26 budget, we have increased this share to over 40%, focusing on education, sports, healthcare, and other essential sectors. Without developing Janajati areas, Tripura cannot progress,” he reiterated.
Industries and Commerce Minister Santana Chakma, MLA Sambhu Lal Chakma, Secretary Kiran Gitte, DM Vivek H.B., and Director of the Skill Development Department Pradeep K. were also present at the event.
