Agartala, Aug 18: The TIPRA Motha MLA Ranjit Debbarma on Monday demanded cancellation of ST status for the tribal women marrying non-tribals in Tripura.
In his letter to the Chairperson of National Commission for Scheduled Tribes, Debbarma alleged that many non-tribal men marry tribal women with the hidden intention of availing financial benefits and evading taxes.
According to Debbarma, non-tribal grooms often transfer their properties and business licenses into the names of their tribal wives to secure exemptions from government taxes. He cited instances where petrol pumps, gas agencies, ration shops, and other businesses were registered in the names of tribal women to enjoy facilities meant exclusively for Scheduled Tribes.
The MLA further claimed that this practice is rampant in the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) region, where non-tribal men allegedly purchase land in the names of their tribal wives.
“In every sphere of life, they are exempted from government taxes by marrying tribal girls. Therefore, I strongly request the immediate cancellation of all ST facilities for those who have entered into such marriages in Tripura,” Debbarma wrote in his appeal.
