Agartala: Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha announced on Thursday that the BJP-led state government has embarked on an extensive modernisation initiative for hostels accommodating female students from tribal communities.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Tripuri cultural food festival at Lake Chowmuhani in Agartala, Dr. Saha highlighted a series of significant advancements implemented in these hostels.
“A range of advancements has been made in the hostels, particularly those housing female students from our indigenous communities. We have installed sanitary pad vending machines in all these hostels, an initiative never undertaken by the previous government,” Dr. Saha stated.
He added that the modernisation drive also includes the introduction of biometric attendance systems, smart TVs, internet services, computers, and CCTV cameras to ensure security.
To promote the mental well-being of students, Dr. Saha pointed out that psychological counselling is being provided by experts.
Outlining the state government’s educational achievements for indigenous students, he mentioned, “For qualitative improvement in education within the tribal areas, eight Ekalavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) have been sanctioned for the state. Six of these schools are currently operational, and the remaining two will be functional by the next academic year.”
Dr. Saha further elaborated on various scholarship programmes aimed at supporting courses such as Auxiliary Nurse Midwifery (ANM), General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM), and Paramedical Sciences.
He highlighted a special coaching assistance scheme designed to help students prepare for various competitive exams, which has already benefited over 10,000 students.
“Since 2022, we have established 413 coaching centres to provide supplementary education for elementary-level students, directly impacting 10,138 students,” Dr. Saha added.
The Chief Minister also noted that the Centre has sanctioned a special package of Rs 100 crore dedicated entirely to the development of tribal areas. “This funding will drive significant development in these regions.
Additionally, an externally aided project sponsored by the World Bank, worth Rs 1,400 crore, aims to generate livelihood opportunities, enhance connectivity, and facilitate the creation of rural assets,” Dr. Saha said.
BJP Rajya Sabha MP Rajib Bhattacharjee also addressed the gathering, commending the government’s efforts. The cultural food festival featured a variety of stalls, offering attendees an array of traditional dishes and showcasing the richness of indigenous culinary traditions.
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