In a significant policy intervention aimed at strengthening tribal development and security in Tripura, State Finance Minister Pranajit Singha Roy has urged the Centre to provide special grants for the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) and reinforce border policing infrastructure to tackle cross-border crimes effectively.
Speaking at the North Eastern Council (NEC) meeting chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Shillong, Singha Roy presented these demands to address long-standing socio-economic gaps in Tripura’s tribal regions and rising security concerns along its international borders.
Key Highlights Of The Minister’s Speech
- Demand For Special Grants To TTAADC The Finance Minister highlighted that TTAADC, which covers nearly 68% of Tripura’s geographical area and houses over 30% of its population, is grappling with inadequate resources for health, education, and tribal welfare initiatives. “We urge the central government to allocate special untied grants for TTAADC to strengthen rural infrastructure, drinking water supply, tribal livelihood programmes, and social protection schemes,” he said. He added that TTAADC’s capacity to implement centrally sponsored schemes effectively remains constrained due to financial limitations and delayed release of funds, which affects developmental outcomes in tribal villages.
- Strengthening Border Policing Infrastructure Tripura shares an 856-km long porous international border with Bangladesh, making it vulnerable to illegal infiltration, smuggling, and trafficking activities. The Finance Minister requested dedicated central funding for strengthening border outposts, deploying advanced surveillance systems, and augmenting manpower under the Border Security Force (BSF) and state police. “There is an urgent need to equip border outposts with modern communication and mobility infrastructure to curb rising cross-border crimes,” he asserted.
- Focus On Connectivity Projects Singha Roy also sought speedy approvals for pending road, bridge, and national highway projects in Tripura, reiterating that connectivity bottlenecks continue to hamper economic integration of interior districts with markets in Agartala and beyond.
Background On TTAADC’s Financial Needs
The TTAADC was established in 1985 under the Sixth Schedule to empower tribal communities with self-governance rights. Despite its constitutional mandate, the council’s resource mobilisation is dependent on state devolution, limited own-tax revenues, and central grants.
Recent assessments have shown:
- Healthcare facilities in ADC villages are sparse, with inadequate PHCs and absence of specialist care.
- Road density remains low compared to state averages, limiting market access for tribal farmers.
- Educational dropout rates are higher in interior ADC schools due to lack of infrastructure, nutrition schemes, and trained teachers.
Border Security Concerns
Tripura has witnessed increased cross-border smuggling of drugs, cattle, and arms, posing socio-economic and security threats. According to recent state police data, the seizure of narcotics and psychotropic substances has doubled over the last three years, necessitating greater vigilance.
| Key Border Security Challenges Highlighted | Proposed Solutions By Minister |
|---|---|
| Drug trafficking and illegal infiltration | Enhanced surveillance tech and BSF outpost upgrades |
| Lack of mobility infrastructure | Funds for all-weather border roads |
| Poor manpower strength at critical points | Recruitment and special deployment grants |
Support From Other Northeastern States
The NEC meeting saw similar demands from Mizoram and Manipur, who urged the Centre to focus on:
- Dedicated funds for tribal councils and autonomous bodies to accelerate inclusive development
- Strengthening border trade infrastructure to promote legal cross-border commerce while curbing illegal trades
Union Home Minister Amit Shah reportedly assured all northeastern states that “border area development and tribal welfare remain top priorities under the Act East Policy.”
Political Implications For Tripura
Finance Minister Singha Roy’s focused intervention aligns with Chief Minister Manik Saha’s governance strategy to bridge developmental gaps in tribal areas, especially with Tipra Motha emerging as a strong regional force in the hills.
Analysts believe that securing additional central funds for TTAADC could boost BJP’s credibility among tribal electorates ahead of local elections.
Public Reactions
Local civil society organisations and student groups such as the Tripura Tribal Students’ Union welcomed the minister’s demand, stating:
“The TTAADC cannot function effectively without adequate funds. Special grants are long overdue for addressing the backwardness of tribal villages.”
However, some opposition leaders questioned whether the state government has fully utilised existing allocations, urging transparency in TTAADC fund usage before seeking additional central grants.
What’s Next?
- The Union Home Ministry is expected to examine these proposals before the next budget session.
- NEC may commission an impact assessment study to identify gaps in TTAADC funding and border policing before finalising grants.
Disclaimer
This news article is for informational purposes only. Readers are advised to refer to official statements and notifications from the Ministry of Home Affairs and Tripura government for authoritative updates.
