CM Announces Major Hostel, Scholarship Boost for Janajati Students State’s progress depends on upliftment of janajati community, says Chief Minister

Agartala, November 15: Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha on Friday reaffirmed the state government’s strong commitment to the socio-economic advancement of the janajati community, stating that the overall progress of Tripura is deeply linked to their development. Addressing a programme organised at Khumpui Academy in Khumulwng on the occasion of Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas, Dr. Saha said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the contributions of tribal freedom fighters—especially Bhagwan Birsa Munda—have gained national recognition. “Today, because of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the entire nation is becoming aware of the courage and sacrifices of Bhagwan Birsa Munda. The Prime Minister declared November 15 as Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas to honor the indomitable role of the janajati community in India’s freedom struggle,” the Chief Minister said. He added that various programmes are being held across the country, with the national celebration taking place in Gujarat’s Narmada district, where PM Modi is scheduled to address the event. In Tripura, the main state-level programme was organised at Khumpui Academy, with similar events planned across districts. Highlighting the government’s efforts toward tribal welfare, Dr. Saha noted that Tripura recently received three national awards due to the state’s continued focus on uplifting the janajati community. The Chief Minister also announced several major initiatives aimed at improving educational facilities for tribal students. “Currently, 34,000 students are receiving hostel scholarships. In the current financial year, 2,700 additional seats will be introduced in various hostels. The hostel scholarship amount will be increased from Rs. 80 to Rs. 100 per day per student from December 1, 2025,” he said. For this enhancement, the government will spend an additional Rs. 8.81 crore in FY 2025–26 and Rs. 23.35 crore in FY 2026–27. He further announced the construction of a new 100-bed boys’ hostel for college students at Abhaynagar, Agartala, at a cost of Rs. 5.74 crore. In another major announcement, Dr. Saha informed that under the Chief Minister’s Tribal Development Mission, solar-based water purification systems and composite solar units will be installed in 50 tribal government hostels with financial assistance worth Rs. 19 crore. Tribal Welfare Minister Bikas Debbarma, Industries and Commerce Minister Santana Chakma, Forest Minister Animesh Debbarma, MPs Rajib Bhattacharjee and Kriti Devi Debbarma, Chief Secretary J. K. Sinha, DGP Anurag, and other dignitaries were present at the event.