Agartala, May 29, 2026: Union Minister of State for Tribal Welfare, Durgadas Uikey, visited Unakoti district and reviewed various livelihood initiatives being implemented under the Tripura Rural Livelihood Mission (TRLM). During the visit, the Minister interacted with women Self-Help Group (SHG) members and encouraged them to continue their efforts towards self-reliance and rural entrepreneurship.

As part of his visit, Uikey toured the Agarbatti Manufacturing Unit at South Unakoti Village Committee and the District Level Aggregation Centre-cum-Selling Outlet under Kumarghat Block Mission Management Unit (BMMU). He closely observed the manufacturing process and enquired about the functioning of the units, income generation activities, marketing strategies, and the overall entrepreneurial journey of the SHG members.

The Minister held detailed interactions with the SHG Didis and appreciated their contribution towards strengthening the rural economy through locally produced goods. He also took stock of the various livelihood activities undertaken by the women groups and expressed satisfaction over the growing participation of rural women in self-employment initiatives.

In a gesture aimed at promoting local rural enterprises, a gift hamper containing a variety of products prepared by SHG members was presented to Uikey by the District Magistrate and Collector of Unakoti, Megha Jain, IAS.

Officials stated that the Minister’s visit served as a major encouragement for women entrepreneurs associated with TRLM and highlighted the positive impact of SHG-led enterprises in enhancing livelihoods and empowering rural communities across the district.

The visit also underscored the government’s continued focus on promoting sustainable livelihood opportunities and strengthening grassroots-level economic development in Tripura.