Agartala, Jan 02, 2025, TRIPURA TIMES Desk
Agartala, Jan 02: Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha today stated that the state government is implementing various important initiatives to preserve folk culture and prioritizing projects for the overall welfare of Scheduled Caste communities.
The Chief Minister made this statement while inaugurating an event marking the 111th birth anniversary of Adwaita Malla Barman at Dashamighat Maidan under Nalchar RD block.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Saha highlighted that Adwaita Malla Barman passed away at the age of just 37, yet achieved remarkable milestones within his short lifespan.
“Today, on his 111th birth anniversary, I pay my respects to Adwaita Malla Barman. He is renowned for his timeless novel 'Titas Ekti Nadir Naam'. He authored four novels, five books, and more than 24 articles,” said Dr. Saha.
In his inaugural speech, the Chief Minister emphasized the current state government’s dedicated efforts to preserving folk culture.
“The government and the Scheduled Caste Welfare Department have been undertaking various developmental activities since 2018-19, and these efforts will continue. To date, there are about 52 Scheduled Caste student hostels in the state, accommodating nearly 7,000 students. These students have collectively received stipends amounting to approximately Rs 10 crore. Around Rs 8 crore has been allocated for the renovation of 36 student hostels, while about Rs 3 crore has been spent on furniture and other amenities for 32 student hostels. Additionally, nearly Rs 6 crore has been utilized for pre-secondary scholarships, benefitting more than 1.25 lakh Scheduled Caste students,” he said.
Dr. Saha added that scholarships have been distributed to students from 3,948 families, with a total of Rs 179 crore disbursed to post-secondary students.
He further noted that Rs 3 crore 36 lakh has been spent on the Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Merit Award Scheme.
“Under the Pradhan Mantri Adarsh Gram Yojana project, Rs 13 crore 87 lakh have been utilized, while Rs 10 crore 16 lakh have been allocated to the Babu Jagjivan Ram Chhatravas Yojana project. Moreover, financial assistance has been extended to several other significant projects,” Dr. Saha added.
The event was graced by the presence of Scheduled Caste Welfare Minister Sudhangshu Das, MLA Kishore Barman, MLA Pinaki Das Chowdhury, Sepahijala Zilla Parishad Sabhadhipati Supriya Das Dutta, Secretary of the Scheduled Caste Welfare Department Deepa D. Nair, District Magistrate of Sepahijala district Dr. Siddharth Shiv Jaiswal, District Superintendent of Police B.J. Reddy, and other dignitaries.