Agartala, May 19:
With a focus on strengthening educational infrastructure across tribal areas, the present Tripura government is also placing significant emphasis on sports and cultural activities to protect tribal youths from the growing menace of drug abuse, Tribal Welfare Minister Bikash Debbarma said on Tuesday. He further stated that the government has been expanding educational facilities, including Eklavya Model Residential Schools, in remote tribal-dominated regions of the state to ensure better opportunities for students.
Speaking to reporters during a felicitation programme for Scheduled Tribe achievers at Dasarath Sangduk Hukumu Nok in Suparibagan, Agartala, the Minister said due to the encouragement of the government tribal youths are excelling in sports and culture events at the national and international levels.
He said sports and cultural engagement help build discipline, confidence and national spirit among young people and also play an important role in steering youths away from addiction and other social problems.
According to Debbarma, 50 sportspersons who performed at national while 44 at the international besides, three individuals were chosen for Special Awards in the field of culture.
The Minister said altogether, nearly Rs 58 lakh would be distributed through the programme.
Debbarma credited the initiative to the government led by Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha, stating that the awards are meant to inspire tribal boys and girls performing well in various fields and motivate them to bring greater recognition to the state in future.
Highlighting the importance of education, the Minister described it as the backbone of development for any community and said both the state and central governments are giving special emphasis to establishing schools in remote areas, particularly for the benefit of tribal students.
He said students from Eklavya Model Residential Schools in Tripura current year have performed well in board examinations, with many securing first division marks.
According to him, while only four Eklavya schools existed in the state over the previous 35 years, the number has increased to 12 after the present government came to power, with six more expected to become operational soon.
The Minister said the expansion of educational institutions in interior tribal areas is creating new opportunities for students and helping communities move forward socially and economically.
He further stated that various welfare initiatives undertaken by the government are contributing significantly to the development and empowerment of tribal people across Tripura.
