Tripura government allocates 40 % of its Rs 32,423 crore budget for tribal welfare in 2025-26

With over Rs 7,149 crore set aside for tribal area development in the 2025-26 budget, Tripura’s leadership signals that uplifting its indigenous communities is central to the state’s growth and inclusive agenda.

Agartala: In a significant fiscal decision, the Tripura government has allocated more than 40 % of the 2025-26 budget for tribal area development. With a budget of about Rs 32,423 crore, the tribal outlay of Rs 7,149 crore highlights that tribal upliftment is a key pillar of the state’s growth strategy. Chief Minister Manik Saha emphasised that the state’s advancement cannot be realised without the economic and social empowerment of its indigenous communities.

Focus on Resettled Bru Community and Skill Development

The government’s agenda specifically mentions priority for the resettled Bru people, who were relocated to Tripura following ethnic violence in neighbouring Mizoram. Recognising that housing, water and basic amenities alone do not ensure sustainable livelihoods, the government is emphasising skill development through targeted programmes such as the PM Kaushalya Yojana and the Mukhyamantri Dakkhata Yojana. Tool-kits and driving licences are being provided to create pathways to employment and self-reliance.

‘A big conspiracy behind the Tripura violence,’ what is CM Manik Saha hinting at?

Why Tribal Welfare Matters

Tribal welfare is critical for social justice and inclusive development. Indigenous communities often face structural disadvantages, poor access to education, health care, employment and infrastructure. By investing heavily in tribal areas, the Tripura government aims to reduce disparities, bring untapped human potential into the mainstream and strengthen social cohesion. Growth that excludes one-third or more of the population is neither equitable nor sustainable.

Key Areas to Focus Under Tribal Welfare

To translate large budget figures into tangible outcomes, certain priority areas must be emphasised:

• Education and Skills: Ensure quality schooling in tribal regions, enable access to higher and vocational education, and provide skill-training aligned to market needs.
• Livelihoods and Employment: Beyond training programmes, job creation, entrepreneurship support, access to credit, and asset-building for tribal households are vital.
• Health and Nutrition: Guarantee accessibility to primary health care, maternal and child welfare services, nutrition programmes, and safe water and sanitation in tribal habitations.
• Infrastructure and Connectivity: Build roads, electricity, digital connectivity, public transport and water supply in tribal regions to link them with markets, services and opportunity.
• Cultural Inclusion and Governance: Preserve tribal languages, traditions and local self-governance; involve tribal communities in planning and decision-making, and build trust through transparent processes.
• Resettlement and Rehabilitation: For communities such as the Bru people, resettlement must go beyond housing—integrating livelihoods, education, social inclusion and community development into the process.

Tripura: Bangladeshi smuggler killed in Debipur area by BSF

From Promise to Implementation

While the allocation of more than 40 % of the budget is a bold declaration of intent, success will depend on effective implementation, monitoring, and meaningful community participation. The state must ensure that programmes reach remote tribal habitations, that training leads to jobs, and that infrastructure is sustained. With inclusive design, transparent governance and measurable outcomes, Tripura has the opportunity to set a model for tribal development in India.