The Tribal Welfare Department of Tripura has announced an extension in the application and verification timeline for the “Cash in Lieu of Free Text Book” scheme, which provides book grants to Scheduled Tribe (ST) students from Class IX up to the Degree level. The decision comes amid widespread concern over delays in the disbursement of grants for the 2025–26 financial year.
The scheme plays a crucial role in supporting ST students by helping them purchase textbooks and study materials, but this year’s process has been delayed due to procedural issues in application and verification. As the academic session continues and the financial year approaches its close, many students are still waiting for the grant.
To address the situation, the department has issued a fresh notification signed by Subhasis Das, Director of Tribal Welfare, revising the deadlines for application and verification. The updated timeline is as follows:
- Institute Nodal Officer (INO): Applications to be completed by 15th November 2025.
- District Nodal Officer (DNO): Verification to be completed by 29th November 2025.
- State Nodal Officer (SNO): Final verification deadline set for 20th December 2025.
The department has directed all concerned authorities to strictly adhere to the revised schedule and ensure that the information is widely circulated. It has emphasized that proactive steps must be taken so that every eligible ST student benefits from the scheme within the current financial year.
The delay has created challenges for students and parents alike, as they depend on the grant to manage essential academic expenses. For many families in tribal communities, this support is critical to ensuring continuity in education.
Officials clarified that the extension is intended to provide sufficient time for institutes and officers to complete applications and verifications without excluding eligible students. At the same time, stakeholders, including student organizations and parents, have urged the department to expedite the process to avoid further disruption.
Copies of the notification have been sent to all District Magistrates, Collectors, District Welfare Officers, and Sub-Divisional Magistrates for immediate action. The government has assured that efforts are being made to disburse the grants promptly once verification is completed.
The extension is seen as a necessary intervention to safeguard the interests of ST students across Tripura. With the new deadlines in place, authorities are expected to streamline the process, ensuring that thousands of students can receive timely support for their education.