Agartala, Aug 11: The Tripura government is considering new programmes to further the welfare of the Other Backward Classes (OBC) community, with an emphasis on economic and social upliftment. This was stated by OBC Welfare Minister Santana Chakma while addressing the State-level Public Awareness and Review Meeting of the OBC Welfare Department at Pragya Bhavan’s Hall No. 3.
Minister Chakma said the government’s vision aligns with the motto “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Prayas, Sabka Vishwas”, and called upon officials and staff to ensure that central and state government schemes reach every OBC household. She stressed that OBC Sub-Committee chairpersons should work in coordination with local administration and urban bodies for effective implementation. Areas in need of OBC hostels will be identified, and proposals will be sent to the Centre. She also urged loan beneficiaries to repay their dues on time.
Tripura OBC Corporation Chairman Mrinal Kanti Nath welcomed the department’s efforts and advised OBC students to study with honesty and dedication, assuring that the government stands by them. He discussed the corporation’s initiatives for loan disbursement and recovery.
OBC Welfare Secretary Tapas Roy noted that 44 OBC communities live in the state and are benefiting from various central and state welfare schemes. Department Director Nirmal Adhikari outlined infrastructure plans, including proposals for two hostels in North Tripura, two in Dhalai district, and a 200-seat hostel in Hapania with an estimated cost of ₹778 crore.
From FY 2020–21 to 2024–25, ₹1,376.135 lakh was given as pre-matric scholarships to 1,15,171 students, and ₹1,3132.15 lakh as post-matric scholarships to 87,291 students. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Memorial Gold Medals worth ₹25.35 lakh were awarded to 17 recipients, and the Ambedkar Merit Award went to 14,638 students, totalling ₹214.57 lakh. Assistance worth ₹1,575 lakh was provided to 266 OBC patients, while Vidyasagar Social and Cultural Awards were given to 15 individuals. Additionally, 640 economically weaker students received one-time financial support of ₹640 lakh.
The OBC Corporation, along with Tripura Gramin Bank, distributed sports equipment to selected schools and flower gardens. Under the Mukhyamantri Akankhya scheme, coaching is being arranged for IAS and IPS aspirants from the OBC community. Plans are also underway to send two pilgrims from each district to Gorakhnath Temple in Uttar Pradesh and Baidyanath Dham in Jharkhand under the Mukhyamantri Tirtha Yatra scheme.
The meeting also featured a video presentation of the department’s developmental works, and included interactive discussions with participants. OBC Commission Chairman Tapas Majumdar was present, and the vote of thanks was delivered by Deputy Director Rupak Bhattacharjee.
