Agartala, June 17, 2026: Tripura’s SC Welfare Minister Sudhangshu Das on Tuesday stressed the need for dedicated officers at the Subdivision and Block levels to ensure effective implementation of welfare schemes for the Scheduled Caste community.

Addressing a meeting with all Chairmen of the SC Welfare Sub-Committees at the Conference Hall of State Guest House (Sonar Tari), Agartala, the Minister said the department has already taken steps and placed a proposal before the Finance Department for creation of manpower to strengthen field-level activities.

“We have noted down all issues discussed in the meeting and the minutes will be circulated within the next 15 days. The Chairman must have proper knowledge about the schemes of the department. The main responsibility will be to ensure proper approval and processing in matters related to issuing SC certificates,” Das said.

He informed that the SC Welfare Department is working to ensure proper maintenance of the 17 percent reservation roster and added that the matter is finalised before Cabinet meetings. Referring to past issues, he said, “During the LF government period, cases had emerged where SC reservation matters were not handled properly, resulting in people losing jobs.”

The Minister said SC certificates are being issued by SDMs based on recommendations of the State Level Scrutiny Committee (SLSCC). He urged Chairpersons to prepare proposals through SC Welfare Officers and District Welfare Officers, upload them online, and send them to the department for scrutiny so that necessary actions can be taken in the following year.

“Keep regular communication with Extension Officers. Every individual problem must be addressed,” Das told the committee members.

He announced that sitting allowance for SC Welfare Sub-Committee members will be Rs 1,000, while Chairmen will receive Rs 3,000. Highlighting the importance of awareness programmes, Das said, “Awareness work is very important, but dedicated officers at Sub-Division and Block levels are not available at present.”

He added that the department is trying to appoint officers at the Block level and sanction funds for awareness campaigns and programmes in the coming days.

The Minister also highlighted that this is the first time in the history of the SC Welfare Department that Chairmen of the sub-committees have returned for a second term. He appealed to them to extend cooperation to the government in implementing welfare initiatives.

“The government needs your cooperation to take forward development and welfare activities for the SC community,” Das said.

Minister Das was accompanied by Department’s Secretary Deepa D Nair, Director in-charge Bhaswar Bhattacharjee and others.