Reported by Mrinal Banik
Agartala: Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha and Tipra Motha supremo Pradyot Debbarma on Tuesday called for closer coordination between the state government and the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC), saying that joint efforts were essential to improve living conditions in tribal areas.
Addressing the swearing-in ceremony of newly appointed Executive Members (EMs) of the TTAADC at Nuai Auditorium in Khumulwng, Saha said neither the state government nor the autonomous council could achieve meaningful development by working independently.
He urged the newly appointed members to ensure transparency, accountability and administrative efficiency while placing public welfare at the centre of their responsibilities.
“TTAADC and the Tripura government are complementary to each other. Neither institution can function effectively without the other. Development is not possible if we work separately,” the chief minister said.
Highlighting the significance of the Sixth Schedule, Saha said the constitutional framework safeguards tribal land rights, language, culture, traditions and socio-economic interests while ensuring their right to self-governance.
He said differences between the state government and the council should not lead to division and called for resolving issues through dialogue and mutual understanding. He also assured the newly appointed EMs that his doors would remain open for discussions with the council leadership and tribal representatives.
On drinking water supply, the chief minister said household tap water coverage in Tripura had increased from around three per cent to 86 per cent. However, geographical constraints continued to pose challenges in remote and hilly tribal areas, prompting the government to explore alternative purification and supply systems.
He also spoke about proposals to address problems in schools with very low student enrolment in ADC areas. A committee has been constituted to examine the issue, while the possibility of converting certain schools into residential institutions, subject to the availability of suitable infrastructure within one to two kilometres, was being considered.
The government was also planning to strengthen residential education facilities for tribal students along the lines of Eklavya Model Residential Schools, with accommodation and meals.
Speaking at the same programme, Pradyot said political positions and designations were temporary, while personal integrity, commitment and dedication to public service defined an individual’s contribution to society.
Congratulating the newly appointed EMs, he advised them to seek the blessings of the people who had elected them rather than his own. He urged them not to forget their humble beginnings and the struggles they had undergone before entering public life.
Pradyot reiterated his decision to withdraw from active electoral politics, clarifying that it did not mean he would leave Tripura or distance himself from its people.
“I am no longer in politics. This is my final decision. But I want to work for the Tiprasa people, not for any political party,” he said.
He added that he intended to work beyond the limitations of a political organisation and raise issues concerning the wider interests of Tripura and its people. He also urged party leaders and workers who did not find a place in the new Executive Council not to feel disappointed, saying their contributions to the Tiprasa community would not be forgotten.
Pradyot invited Saha to visit Khumulwng to assess the council’s administrative challenges and development requirements. He said the ADC would submit proposals to the state government, covering education, economic infrastructure and other developmental issues, while emphasising that not every demand would necessarily involve financial assistance.
The ceremony was attended by Lok Sabha MP Kriti Singh Debbarma, Tribal Welfare Minister Bikash Debbarma, TTAADC Chief Executive Member Runiel Debbarma, senior tribal leaders, elected representatives and senior officials.
The seven newly appointed Executive Members of the TTAADC are Kamal Kalai, Rajeshwar Debbarma, Kenaram Reang, Kongjoy Mog, Debajit Tripura, Hollywood Chakma and David Murasing.
Runiel Debbarma was appointed CEM shortly after the ADC polls while CK Jamatia was sworn in as the only EM. Bhabaranjan Reang was appointed the chairman of the TTAADC Council.
