Tripura Chief Minister, Prof Dr. Manik Saha, made significant strides in highlighting the government’s measures to strengthen the state’s economy and accelerate the livelihoods of its citizens. Dr. Saha attended the 8th Governing Council meeting of NITI Aayog, held under the theme ‘Viksit Bharat @ 2047: Role of Team India,’ at the new Convention Centre in New Delhi.
Addressing the esteemed gathering, Chief Minister Dr. Saha announced the launch of a vision document called ‘Lakshya 2047’ on Tripura’s 50th Statehood Day, January 21, 2022. This document serves as a comprehensive roadmap for the state’s development until 2047.
Dr. Saha emphasized the state’s commitment to industrial development by allocating over 2000 acres of land for various projects, including those under Public-Private Partnership, Special Economic Zones, and sector-specific initiatives focusing on rubber, agar, bamboo, and food processing. Notably, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has agreed to extend loans to the State Government to upgrade 15 industrial estates, enhancing the state’s industrial infrastructure.
Regarding Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), the Chief Minister highlighted their role in promoting cross-border trade between Tripura and Bangladesh, as the state shares 84% of its border with Bangladesh. The government has been supporting MSMEs through the implementation of various schemes, providing incentives such as additional capital subsidy, lower power tariffs, and easy access to industrial estates for units utilizing bamboo, rubber, tea, agricultural and horticultural produce, and gas as major raw materials.
The Chief Minister also underscored the importance of the agarwood trade, aiming to make Tripura the primary hub for agarwood in the country. The State Government has released the Tripura Agarwood Policy, 2021, with the objective of tapping into the Rs. 2000 crore ‘Agar economy’ by 2025.
With a strong emphasis on the empowerment of women, Dr. Saha highlighted the comprehensive “Tripura State Policy for Empowerment of Women-2022.” The government has mobilized 4,16,292 active women members from rural poor families into 46,475 women Self Help Groups (SHGs), 1950 Village Organizations (VOs), and 88 Cluster Level Federations (CLFs). Efforts are also underway to improve infant, child, and maternal health, strengthen immune systems, ensure safer pregnancy and childbirth, lower the risk of non-communicable diseases, reduce anemia, prevent wasting/stunting in children, and increase longevity.
Furthermore, eight projects, amounting to Rs. 109.19 crore, have been identified and forwarded to the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade under the Government of India. These projects are expected to have a positive impact on Tripura’s economic growth and development.
Dr. Saha highlighted the significant increase in the state government’s Capital Expenditure from Rs. 835.00 crore in 2020-21 to Rs. 2200 crore in the financial year 2022-23, reflecting an annual growth rate of approximately 62%.
The Chief Minister also emphasized the government’s investment of Rs. 1000 crore to promote Tripura as a major national and international tourist destination by improving last-mile connectivity. The forthcoming “Tripura Medical Tourism Policy” aims to establish the state as a center for wellness tourism by incentivizing the establishment of ayurvedic parks, panchakarma centers, yoga and wellness retreats, and naturopathy centers.
Dr. Saha informed the gathering that Tripura has been recognized as a fast mover in the effective implementation of the PM-GatiSakti Scheme for convergence.
The Chief Minister expressed confidence that under the inspiring and dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Tripura would emerge as a developed state in the near future. The government’s focus on economic development, livelihood acceleration, women’s empowerment, and tourism promotion demonstrates a commitment to uplifting the lives of Tripura’s citizens and positioning the state as a vibrant and prosperous region.