Agartala, January 10, 2026: For the second consecutive year, a large number of tribal students have been left without their scholarship funds, triggering widespread anger and frustration. Despite repeated visits to the Tribal Welfare Department and appeals to both the minister and senior officials, students allege that no resolution has been offered.

On Friday, the aggrieved students gathered at the department in protest. Tensions escalated when they attempted to speak with the Additional Director, who allegedly misbehaved with them. Enraged, the students locked the office gates and staged a sit-in demonstration inside.

The situation worsened when another official engaged in a heated argument with the students, leading to physical scuffles. As the confrontation spiraled out of control, police were called to the scene. Officers arrived promptly, cut open the locked gates, and restored order inside the premises.

Officials, sensing the gravity of the unrest, contacted the department’s minister. According to the students, the minister shifted his stance after receiving calls from his staff. Later, speaking to the media, the protesting students leveled serious allegations, claiming the minister himself admitted that certain officials were siphoning off funds. They suspect that the minister may also be complicit in the scholarship denial.

The controversy has now raised pressing questions about accountability within the Tribal Welfare Department. Students deprived of their scholarships say they are awaiting concrete action in response to their allegations.