Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha on Friday highlighted the state government’s strong focus on infrastructure development, announcing that nearly Rs 7,000 crore has been allocated in the budget for this purpose. Speaking during the virtual inauguration of 14 development projects and the foundation laying of five Working Women’s Hostels and a Boys’ Hostel at Rabindra Satabarshiki Bhavan, Dr. Saha outlined several initiatives aimed at enhancing social welfare and state infrastructure.
The Chief Minister confirmed that financial sanctions have been received for establishing two additional one-stop centers in Kailashahar and Agartala. Meanwhile, the Social Welfare and Social Education Department is providing a monthly allowance of Rs 2,000 to 14,575 Divyangjans, further strengthening support for differently-abled citizens.
Under the Poshan Abhiyan scheme, approximately 11,130 smartphones have been distributed to Anganwadi workers across the state. These devices will run the Poshan Tracker app, helping track daily activities and improve nutritional and health services at the grassroots level.
Dr. Saha also emphasized the state’s commitment to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of building a “Viksit Bharat” by 2047, stating that Tripura has already prepared a roadmap to emerge as a developed state. He added that Tripura ranks fifth nationally and first among the eight North Eastern states in terms of development metrics.
Highlighting women’s empowerment, the Chief Minister announced that ten more Working Women’s Hostels will be constructed across Tripura. Five of these hostels’ foundation stones were laid during the event, with an approved budget of Rs 114 crore. Each hostel, costing Rs 11.40 crore, will feature gyms, entertainment centers, sports courts, 24-hour security, and childcare facilities. Foundations have already been laid in Ambassa, Dharmanagar, and Kailashahar, with future projects planned for Udaipur and Kumarghat.
Dr. Saha also shared updates on social welfare initiatives, including the establishment of 46 Anganwadi centers under the DoNER Ministry and the North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme. These centers aim to provide essential nutrition, health services, and pre-primary education. Aftercare homes for young women aged 18-21 are also being set up to provide vocational training, education, life skills, and psychological support, helping them become self-reliant.
Further, the Chief Minister reported that 101 children have received rehabilitation grants of Rs 50,000 each, while 4,286 children are receiving monthly sponsorships of Rs 4,000. Over the past three years, 144 children have received financial assistance ranging from Rs 20,000 to Rs 3 lakh under the Juvenile Justice Fund, and 31 children have been adopted by the government. Additionally, 41,694 disability identity cards have been issued, and 1,402 Anganwadi workers and 1,615 helpers have been appointed since April 2023 to improve service delivery.
The event was attended by Social Welfare and Social Education Minister Tinku Roy, Secretary Tapas Roy, Director T.K. Das, and other senior officials.