By Tripura24.in Bureau
HEZAMARA | July 1, 2026: Outraged by a persistent four-month backlog in the distribution of vital social security allowances, hundreds of tribal beneficiaries today launched a massive, high-voltage demonstration, effectively locking down the Hezamara Rural Development (RD) Block office. The agitators completely sealed the main entrance gates of the administrative complex, demanding immediate, high-level intervention from senior block officials.
The protest, drawing beneficiaries from 21 ADC villages under the sub-division, caused total disruption to routine administrative works until police contingents arrived to defuse the standoff.
Severe Economic Distress in 21 ADC Villages Triggers Blockade
According to field reports, vulnerable tribal elders, widows, and physically challenged beneficiaries have been left without their state-sanctioned monthly allowances since March. Compounded by inflation and lack of alternative income pipelines in the hilly terrains, the beneficiaries gathered outside the block office early Wednesday morning, carrying placards and raising slogans against bureaucratic delays.
As the crowd swelled, angry protestors locked the primary collapsible gates of the Hezamara RD Block, refusing to allow entry to staff members. Recognizing the severity of the law and order situation, the Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) along with a large contingent from the Sidhai Police Station rushed to the spot to prevent any escalation.
Tribal Delegation Places 3-Point Structural Charter
The blockade was eventually converted into a structured democratic demonstration following the arrival of local MDC Rabindra Debbarma, who acted as a mediator between the furious citizens and the block administration. A comprehensive three-point memorandum addressed to the Block Development Officer (BDO) and the Child Development Project Officer (CDPO) of the Hezamara ICDS department was subsequently submitted.
The three core demands placed by the agitators include:
- Clearing All Pending Arrears: Immediate release of all accumulated welfare and social allowances pending from March 2026 to June 2026 in a single, un-bracketed installment.
- Fixed Disbursement Timelines: Institutionalizing a strict administrative directive to ensure that monthly social security funds are deposited directly into beneficiaries’ accounts on the 1st of every calendar month without exception.
- Distribution of Smart Cards: Issuing specialized digital Smart Cards linked to individual beneficiary IDs, allowing rural villagers to securely withdraw their allowance funds from any location or banking kiosk, eliminating heavy travel expenses to central blocks.
