At a significant public rally held at Agartala’s Swami Vivekananda Maidan, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) National President and Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda lauded the developmental strides achieved under Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha’s leadership. Nadda emphasized the state’s transformation from a history of violence to an era characterized by peace and development, noting a substantial improvement in the crime rate.
Introduction of Welfare Schemes
In a move to bolster women’s empowerment and educational advancement, Nadda unveiled two pivotal welfare schemes:
Mukhyamantri Balika Samriddhi Yojana (MBSY): This initiative entails the state government providing a Rs.50,000 bond for every girl child born into Below Poverty Line (BPL) families. Upon reaching 18, the bond is anticipated to mature to at least ₹10 lakh, offering substantial financial support for higher education and other pursuits.
Mukhyamantri Kanya Atmanirbhar Yojana (MKAY): Under this scheme, the government will award scooters to 140 top-performing female students who have passed their higher secondary examinations from the Tripura Board of Secondary Education, CBSE, and ICSE. This initiative aims to promote self-reliance and facilitate mobility among young women.
Chief Minister’s Address on State Achievements
Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha addressed the gathering, highlighting the state’s achievements over the past two years:
Economic Growth: The state has witnessed remarkable growth in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and per capita income, reflecting overall economic development.
Employment Generation: The government is preparing to fill 8,000 posts across various departments, aiming to boost employment opportunities for the youth.
Law and Order: Tripura has achieved a ‘militancy-free’ status, with significant improvements in the law and order situation, leading to a notable decrease in crime rates.
Infrastructure Development: The state has seen massive infrastructure development, enhancing connectivity and public services.
Financial Support from the Central Government
Nadda highlighted the substantial financial assistance provided by the central government to Tripura:
Tax Devolution: The state’s share of central taxes has increased more than fivefold, from ₹9,000 crore in 2014 to Rs.46,500 crore, enhancing the state’s fiscal capacity.
Grant-in-Aid: There has been a 73% increase in grant-in-aid from the central government, now totaling Rs.54,000 crore, supporting various developmental projects in the state.
Improvement in Crime Rate
The BJP President noted a significant improvement in the crime rate since the party assumed power in 2018, attributing this progress to effective governance and law enforcement strategies. The event underscored the BJP government’s commitment to the holistic development of Tripura, with a particular focus on women’s empowerment and socio-economic progress.