Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha on Tuesday announced that the state government is considering the introduction of a monthly honorarium for the chiefs of various tribes and sub-tribes in the state. The move aims to recognize the contribution of traditional leaders toward social development and community welfare.
Speaking at the inaugural function of the State Process Lab under the Adi Karmayogi Abhiyan, the Chief Minister said that district magistrates have been directed to identify the chiefs of tribes and sub-tribes under their jurisdictions. “As a mark of recognition of their contribution to their societies, we are planning to introduce a monthly honorarium for all of them,” Dr. Saha stated.
Tripura is home to nearly 40 sub-tribes. The Chief Minister highlighted that the government recently increased the honorarium for indigenous community chieftains. The payment, which was earlier ₹2,000 per month, has been raised to ₹5,000 per month. Additionally, the number of beneficiaries has been expanded, with the figure expected to rise from 10 to 15.
An official survey is underway to identify the chiefs of sub-tribes so that they can also be brought under this initiative. The recognition scheme is expected to benefit a large section of community leaders who play a vital role in preserving traditions, resolving disputes, and supporting the welfare of their people.
On the Adi Karmayogi Abhiyan, Dr. Saha said that 392 revenue villages with an estimated population of 8 lakh people will be covered under the programme. To ensure effective implementation, the government has appointed 8 state-level master trainers, 40 district-level trainers, and 260 block-level trainers.
Highlighting past achievements, the Chief Minister recalled that under the Dharti Abha Gram Utkarsha Abhiyan, Tripura was acknowledged as one of the top-performing states in the country. These initiatives, he said, focus on ensuring that government schemes reach every household at the saturation level.
Dr. Saha also detailed recent allocations aimed at sustainable development in tribal villages. The state has earmarked ₹42.37 crore to provide electrification to 7,677 families and 512 public places. In addition, ₹14 crore has been allocated for establishing Anganwadi centers, while ₹19 crore is being invested in installing solar rooftops and solar-based water purifiers in government hostels. Over the next five years, ₹81.89 crore has been sanctioned to improve infrastructure in tribal areas.
The Chief Minister emphasized that the government remains committed to empowering indigenous communities by recognizing their leaders and strengthening rural infrastructure. The proposed honorarium for sub-tribe chiefs is expected to further bridge the gap between governance and grassroots leadership.