Skill Development Vital for Sustainable Employment: CM Saha Over 40% of 2025–26 Budget Allocated for Janajati Area Development

Agartala, November 7: Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha today reaffirmed that the holistic development of Tripura is impossible without the upliftment of Janajati areas. To ensure inclusive growth, the state government has earmarked over 40% of the 2025–26 budget for Janajati area development. Dr. Saha made the statement while inaugurating the State Level Toolkits Distribution Ceremony for Skilled Bru Candidates at Chawmanu. He also virtually inaugurated several key infrastructures, including the new building of Chawmanu Class XII School, the Chawmanu Fire Station, the office of the Executive Engineer under Manu RD Division, and a Wayside Amenity at Manu. Highlighting the importance of skill enhancement, the Chief Minister said that sustainable employment can only be achieved through skill development. “Under the PM Kaushalya Yojana and Mukhyamantri Dakkhata Yojana, we are providing training to Reang people. Union Home Minister Amit Shah had rightly said that providing houses and water is not enough — people must have skills to earn a sustainable income,” he stated. He further mentioned that six autos were flagged off under the Swabalamban Yojana, which offers a subsidy of ₹1 lakh per beneficiary. “The Skill Development Department is working tirelessly, and the Bru people have expressed satisfaction, thanking Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the initiatives,” Dr. Saha added. Criticizing the previous governments, Dr. Saha said that for 23 years, no political party took concrete steps to address the Bru people’s concerns. “After 2018, the BJP-led government resolved their long-pending issues on humanitarian grounds. We are committed to making people self-reliant through economic and social development,” he said. The Chief Minister informed that toolkits have been provided to 895 beneficiaries and driving licences to 200 Bru candidates, involving an expenditure of ₹1.45 crore. Under the Tripura Skill and Entrepreneurship Policy 2024, over 35,000 youths are currently undergoing training in emerging sectors such as Artificial Intelligence, Renewable Energy, IT Services, and Healthcare. “Tripura is among the few states sending skilled workers abroad. Five youths have already gone to Japan, four more will go soon, and 60 are learning Japanese,” he added. Responding to opposition criticism, Dr. Saha urged them to acknowledge the government’s efforts instead of spreading misinformation. “In 2024–25, ₹6,645 crore — about 39% of the total ₹27,000 crore budget — was spent for Janajati area development. For 2025–26, we have allocated over 40% to continue our focus on education, sports, health, and livelihood improvement,” he said. Industries and Commerce Minister Santana Chakma, MLA Sambhu Lal Chakma, Secretary Kiran Gitte, DM Vivek HB, and Director of Skill Development Department Pradeep K. were also present at the event.