The long-standing demand of the indigenous Tiprasa community for the cancellation of Scheduled Tribe (ST) certificates allegedly issued to non-tribal individuals has once again come to the forefront. Hon’ble Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee and MLA from 24 RC Ghat Constituency, Ranjit Debbarma, highlighted the matter during a meeting held in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
For decades, tribal organizations and community leaders in Tripura have been voicing concern that a section of non-ST individuals obtained ST certificates through fraudulent means. According to them, such practices not only dilute the constitutional safeguards meant for indigenous people but also deprive genuine tribal youths of opportunities in education, employment, and other welfare schemes.
Speaking at the meeting, Ranjit Debbarma emphasized that this issue directly affects the socio-economic rights of the Tiprasa people. He said that the misuse of ST certificates has led to unfair advantages for ineligible individuals while pushing back deserving tribal candidates in government jobs, professional courses, and various development programs.
Debbarma further stated that the state government and concerned authorities must act decisively to investigate such cases and cancel all certificates wrongfully issued. He urged the central and state administrations to set up a special mechanism to scrutinize past records and prevent such irregularities in the future.
The demand for strict action has gained momentum in recent years as several student bodies, civil society groups, and community organizations have staged protests across Tripura. They argue that the infiltration of non-ST beneficiaries into tribal quotas poses a serious threat to the preservation of indigenous identity and rights.
During the discussion in Bhubaneswar, Debbarma reiterated that the concerns of the Tiprasa people must not be ignored. He also called for policy reforms, including digital verification systems and stricter checks, to ensure that only genuine tribal individuals can avail of the benefits reserved under the Scheduled Tribe category.
Observers believe that Debbarma’s intervention at a national platform will bring renewed attention to the issue, which has long remained unresolved despite repeated demands from tribal communities. With increasing pressure from both political representatives and grassroots organizations, it is expected that the government will be compelled to take stronger measures in the coming days.
The indigenous leaders of Tripura hope that such efforts will pave the way for restoring justice and protecting the rights of the Tiprasa people, ensuring that no undeserving individual can exploit provisions meant for tribal welfare.