Tripura Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha has declared a ₹5,000 monthly honorarium for traditional tribal heads under the Autonomous District Council (ADC). The move is seen as a step towards recognizing the crucial roles these local leaders play in governance and social cohesion. It will also strengthen the partnership between the state government and indigenous communities.
This decision, announced at a public programme in the Dhalai district on Thursday, has drawn appreciation from various tribal groups. It will impact village chiefs, headmen, and other traditional authorities who function as the first point of contact in tribal areas.
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Honorarium for 587 Recognised Tribal Heads
According to officials from the Tribal Welfare Department, this monthly honorarium will be disbursed to 587 recognized tribal heads across the state. These individuals play vital roles in dispute resolution, maintaining customary practices, and relaying government schemes to remote areas.
Dr Saha stated, “These respected leaders serve as bridges between the government and grassroots. This honorarium is not merely financial support but a token of our respect for their service to society.”
The announcement came after several community bodies had been urging the government to formally support the traditional leaders financially. Many of them operate without salaries or resources while ensuring peace and coordination in their localities.
Strengthening ADC Governance
Tripura’s ADC, established under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, governs two-thirds of the state’s geographical area and over 30% of its population. The council includes villages led by traditional heads, often selected based on customary laws.
While the ADC has its administrative setup, tribal heads often act as intermediaries between elected representatives and the public. Their knowledge of tribal customs, local dialects, and terrain makes them indispensable to governance in hilly and forested areas.
Chief Minister Saha highlighted that the government aims to make the ADC more robust through meaningful partnerships with traditional institutions. “We are not just offering money—we are empowering local wisdom and indigenous administration,” he said.
Move Welcomed by Community Leaders
The announcement has been welcomed across political lines. Tipra Motha leaders, who govern the ADC, have said that the move complements their efforts to improve tribal welfare. Several village council chairpersons, known locally as “Chowdhurys” and “Dolais,” have lauded the decision.
Balaram Debbarma, a community head from Gandacharra, expressed gratitude, saying, “For decades, we’ve worked without any recognition. This initiative restores dignity to our role and helps us sustain our work without depending on others.”
Community members also believe the financial support will allow younger generations to take up traditional leadership roles, which are often abandoned due to lack of income.
Implementation by Tribal Welfare Department
The Tribal Welfare Department will implement the scheme starting from September. It will maintain a verified list of tribal heads and release the funds directly to their bank accounts. Officials have been instructed to ensure a transparent and hassle-free process.
The department is also planning a workshop in Agartala next month to train tribal heads in documentation and grievance redressal systems. This move aligns with the state’s effort to modernize traditional governance without diluting its essence.
Support Beyond Financial Incentives
Apart from the monthly honorarium, Dr Saha announced that the government would provide logistical and administrative support to tribal heads. They will receive identity cards, official recognition, and invitations to participate in block-level planning meetings.
Furthermore, skill development workshops and seminars will be conducted to strengthen their role in local governance. The goal is to equip tribal heads not only with financial resources but also with knowledge and tools to carry out their responsibilities more effectively.
A Step Towards Inclusive Development
Tripura has been focusing on the development of tribal regions through targeted schemes in healthcare, education, and road connectivity. The honorarium adds to that list as a social recognition initiative.
Political analysts suggest that this move is strategic. With ADC elections likely next year, supporting traditional leaders could translate into broader political goodwill for the ruling BJP government.
However, government officials maintain that the initiative is not politically motivated. “This is about valuing the unseen work of community leaders. They’ve been the backbone of rural governance long before formal systems arrived,” an officer from the Tribal Welfare Directorate said.
Future of Tribal Leadership
The state government hopes that by empowering tribal heads, the cultural, administrative, and economic strength of remote regions will improve. These leaders will now be able to focus on their roles without financial burden.
Many traditional leaders have already started planning how to use the honorarium. Some intend to use it for community welfare, while others see it as a means to support their families without leaving their villages for other jobs.
In the long run, this decision could create a blueprint for other northeastern states to follow, where traditional institutions still hold substantial authority.
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