Agartala | November 13, 2025 – Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Thursday inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for 22 development projects in the Dhalai district, collectively worth ₹207 crore, underscoring the government’s commitment to enhancing infrastructure and promoting socio-economic growth across the state.

Speaking at the event, CM Saha emphasised that the government is striving to create robust infrastructure and improve living standards for residents throughout Tripura. “Today, I have inaugurated and laid foundation stone of 22 projects worth ₹207 crore, but the opposition is not able to see the development work. What will the government do if someone is unable to feel or see the development? We are doing our best to develop the state,” Saha said, highlighting the administration’s proactive approach to governance and regional development.

He noted that all state departments are working diligently to ensure public convenience and build sustainable infrastructure. Saha also pointed out that Tripura has achieved significant economic progress, securing second position in per capita income and Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) among northeastern states. He further mentioned that the NITI Aayog has recognised Tripura as a frontrunner, reflecting the government’s sustained focus on comprehensive development. “From sustainable livelihood to education and healthcare, the government is doing its best for the overall development of the state,” he added.

A key highlight of the CM’s address was the promotion of women-led self-employment initiatives. He revealed that Tripura has produced 1,08,000 ‘lakhpati didis’ through Self Help Groups (SHGs), achieving an impressive 90% success rate against the target of 1,16,000. “The self-employment of women is changing the state’s rural economy,” Saha remarked, noting that empowering women entrepreneurs has become a cornerstone of Tripura’s socio-economic policy.

Focusing on Dhalai district, Saha reiterated that the area remains a priority for the government, noting that the district had historically lagged behind in comprehensive development programs. To accelerate progress, he stated that the administration allocates 10% extra of the total budgetary outlay to the backward district.

The Chief Minister also stressed the importance of peace and communal harmony between tribal and non-tribal communities as a precondition for sustainable development. “Peace must prevail to push development with full force. The government had spent 39% of the state’s budgetary outlay for tribal welfare during the 2024-25 fiscal year, and this year it will touch 40%,” he said, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to inclusive growth and tribal welfare initiatives.

Earlier during his visit, CM Saha toured Shantirbazar market, interacting with local businessmen affected by violence on October 23. During a 24-hour statewide bandh called by the Tripura Citizen Forum, six people were injured, and numerous shops were looted for defying the strike. Saha assured the affected business community of government support and announced compensation measures for those impacted by the unrest.

The 22 projects inaugurated and laid in Dhalai encompass a wide range of sectors, including infrastructure development, healthcare, education, and livelihood programs, aimed at boosting overall economic growth and improving the quality of life in the district. By focusing on both physical infrastructure and community welfare programs, the state government is seeking to create a more balanced and equitable development model for the northeastern region.

Saha’s visit also highlighted the government’s emphasis on sustainable development and capacity-building. By investing in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and women-led enterprises, the administration is promoting long-term economic stability while ensuring that the benefits of development reach marginalized and backward areas. This approach reflects Tripura’s broader policy vision of holistic development that balances economic growth with social equity.

The Chief Minister’s remarks during the event signalled a strong political message as well, emphasizing that the state government remains focused on its development agenda despite criticism from opposition parties. He urged citizens to recognize the ongoing initiatives, suggesting that the impact of governance should be measured by tangible improvements in infrastructure, economic opportunities, and social welfare rather than political rhetoric.

Highlighting the government’s achievements in the northeastern states, Saha reiterated Tripura’s growing stature in the region. Through initiatives like SHGs, rural infrastructure projects, and targeted tribal welfare spending, the state is not only improving its economic indicators but also enhancing the social fabric and inclusivity of governance.

In conclusion, the inauguration and foundation stone-laying ceremony in Dhalai district demonstrates the Tripura government’s strategic focus on comprehensive regional development, with an emphasis on economic empowerment, infrastructure growth, and social welfare. CM Saha’s engagement with local communities and proactive measures to address past disruptions underscore the administration’s commitment to transforming Dhalai into a model district of development and harmony. The government’s continued focus on women’s self-employment, tribal welfare, and district-specific development is expected to strengthen the region’s economy while reinforcing peace and stability, laying the groundwork for sustained growth across Tripura.

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