Janajati welfare govt's top priority: Tripura CM

Overall development of Janajati communities is one of the top priorities of present government, Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha said on Tuesday.

Several schemes are being implemented to ensure Janajati welfare, he said, adding that the government would set up Adi Seva Kendras across the state to address the problems of tribal people.

Dr. Saha, who inaugurated State Level Orientation Programme and State Process Labs under the Aadi Karmayogi Abhiyan held at Prajna Bhavan, said TCS-level officers will be appointed at every sub-division and district level to ensure the welfare of the Janajati community, according to a press release. 

Highlighting the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Dr. Saha said that since 2014, the Prime Minister has emphasized the development up to the last man of the society.

“PM Modi says that the country will not develop until the most marginalized improve in all aspects. There are about 700 tribal groups across the country, of which 19 are in our state. Many of their subgroups are gradually disappearing. Under the guidance of the central government, the Tripura government is working with the vision of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas. The responsibility of officials in implementing government programs is very high. They must ensure proper and responsible implementation of projects,” Dr. Saha was quoted in the press release. 

Dr Saha noted that posts of subdivision and district-level officers engaged in tribal welfare were abolished in 2005.

“Recently, the cabinet decided that TCS-equivalent officers will be appointed for the welfare of Janajatis at every subdivision and district level. Officers and employees are the driving force of the government, as policies are implemented through them,” he added.

On Adi Seva Kendras, Dr. Saha said this will serve as a single-window system to resolve local issues.

“One day a week has been set aside for complaint resolution, which will be called Seva Hour. In addition, one Seva Day will be observed every month,” he said.

Under the Adi Karmayogi Abhiyan, the Chief Minister informed that 8 master trainers, 40 district master trainers, and 260 block master trainers have been appointed at the State Process Lab to serve around 8 lakh tribals in 392 revenue villages. So far, 789 Gram Panchayats and Village Committees in 52 blocks across 8 districts have benefited from the Dharti Aava Janajati Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan.

The Chief Minister also announced that the government will set up 9 Forest Rights Cells, while Rs. 14.21 crore has been approved for 119 Anganwadi centres.

“Our government wants development to reach the last person and the last family. The honorary allowance of Janajati community leaders has been increased to Rs. 5,000,” he said.

Tribal Welfare Minister Bikas Debbarma, West District Magistrate Dr. Vishal Kumar, Tribal Welfare Department Director Subhasish Das, and other senior officials attended the event as distinguished guests.