Agartala, February 21, 2026: The Tribal Welfare Department has earmarked ₹27.50 crore under the Centre’s Special Assistance to State for Capital Investment scheme to strengthen rubber processing infrastructure in tribal regions during the 2025–26 fiscal year, according to senior officials.

The initiative, rolled out under the Rubber Processing Scheme (RPS), will be implemented in phases. It includes establishing local-level units for rubber sheet production, constructing smoking houses, installing roller machines, and providing skill development training to tribal youth.

Department sources estimate the cost of each unit at around ₹75 lakh. Administrative approval for the final instalment of ₹9.20 crore has recently been issued, following earlier releases of ₹11.30 crore and ₹2 crore, thereby completing the sanctioned allocation.

A government memorandum confirms that funds have been routed through the Drawing and Disbursing Officer (DDO) of the Tribal Welfare Department to the Khumulang branch of the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC). Transactions will be managed via a designated account at Tripura Gramin Bank’s Khumulang branch, with construction and installations carried out in line with approved technical estimates.

Officials highlighted that despite Tripura’s position as one of India’s leading rubber-producing states, farmers often face reduced returns due to inadequate primary processing and storage facilities. Localised production of processed sheets is expected to improve price realisation, reduce reliance on middlemen, and benefit small and marginal growers in tribal belts.

However, sources noted that progress reporting remains a concern. As per guidelines, monthly progress reports must be submitted by the 5th of each month, along with utilisation certificates and geo-tagged photographs to facilitate further fund releases. No formal progress report has yet been filed.

Meanwhile, Tipra Motha, the ruling party in the ADC, has alleged insufficient financial support from the state government for village-level development. Official records, however, show that funds under multiple schemes have been transferred to the ADC administration.

Beyond infrastructure, the scheme also emphasises skill development training, aimed at creating employment opportunities for tribal youth alongside the establishment of processing units.