Tripura Government prioritising socio-economic development of tribals: CM Manik Saha

Asserting that only education can ensure progress of a society, CM Manik Saha said he had already proposed to the Centre to sanction 15 more Eklavya schools for the northeastern State. File photo | Photo Credit: PTI

Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Sunday (November 15, 2026) paid tribute to tribal icon Birsa Munda on his 151st birth anniversary and said his Government has been prioritising the overall socio-economic development of the indigenous people.

Addressing a 'Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas' programme at Chawmanu in Dhalai district, Mr. Saha recalled the tribal icon's contribution to the country's freedom struggle.

“The contribution of indigenous people in the country’s freedom struggle was immense. Birsa Munda had fought the British, showing extreme courage. We must salute his contribution to the freedom struggle on his birth anniversary," the CM said.

Born in 1875 at Ulihatu village in Jharkhand's Khunti district, Birsa Munda is credited with mobilising tribals against colonial rule. He died in British custody at the age of 25 on June 9, 1900.

The birth anniversary of the freedom fighter has been celebrated as Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas since 2021 to honour the contributions of tribal communities, especially in India's freedom struggle, and highlights their important role in preserving the country's heritage and advancing its progress.

"Our Government has been giving priority to the overall socio-economic development of the indigenous people," Mr. Saha said.

On the occasion, four Eklavya Model Residential Schools, fully residential schools for tribal students, were inaugurated in Tripura.

“With today’s inauguration of four Eklavya schools, 16 such schools are made operational in the northeastern state while two more will be opened shortly. The Centre has sanctioned 21 such schools altogether for our State. Over 10,000 students will be able to study in these residential schools once all 21 are made functional in the state," he said.

Mr. Saha said Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Tribal Welfare Minister Jual Oram participated in a programme virtually from Delhi on the occasion of Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas.

On the occasion, Mr. Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for 246 development projects worth around ₹3,000 crore aimed at strengthening education, healthcare, livelihood opportunities and community infrastructure in tribal areas.

Of the 246 projects, 173 were inaugurated, including 38 Eklavya Model Residential Schools for tribal students and 100 Multi-Purpose Centres under the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN).

The four Eklavya schools were among 38 schools inaugurated by Mr. Modi during the day.

Asserting that only education can ensure progress of a society, the CM said he had already proposed to the Centre to sanction 15 more such schools for the northeastern State after relaxing the existing norms.

Mr. Saha also highlighted the Government’s initiatives, such as CM Rubber Mission and 'Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan', aimed at transforming the lives of indigenous people.

Tripura Tribal Welfare Minister Bikash Debbarma said, “There was a time when gun-toting terrorists used to roam around Manikpur and its neighbourhood, but now the situation has changed completely. A school, like Eklavya Model Residential School, has been established at Manikpur, where once people were scared to visit due to terrorist activities."

Published - November 15, 2026 04:22 pm IST