Agartala, October 2: Former Union minister of state Pratima Bhoumik has sought the establishment of new agricultural markets and improvement of mobile and telecommunication services in remote areas of Tripura during a meeting with Union Minister Jyotiraditya M Scindia.
During the courtesy meeting, Bhoumik highlighted the need for agricultural market infrastructure at Tholibari and Bashpukur in Kathalia Block, besides DM Colony and Amgachia in West Tripura district, according to a statement.
She said the proposed markets would provide farmers with easier access to buyers and help them market their produce closer to their places of cultivation.
Bhoumik also raised the issue of inadequate mobile connectivity in several interior villages of Sipahijala district, particularly under Mohanbhog Block.
She drew attention to areas including Chandul, Jagatrampur, Kalikhola, Nidoya and Bhabanipur, where residents have been facing problems due to weak or inadequate network coverage.
Bhoumik said reliable communication services were important for residents of remote areas as mobile connectivity was increasingly linked to access to education, healthcare, emergency assistance and government services.
She urged the Centre to take steps to strengthen telecom infrastructure and address gaps in mobile coverage in the affected areas.
A recent report on her connectivity demands said Bhoumik had also sought an assessment of habitation- and para-level connectivity gaps in parts of Mohanbhog Block, noting that areas officially recorded as covered could still have weak or intermittent services.
On agricultural infrastructure, Bhoumik said the proposed markets could help farmers obtain better access to markets and reduce dependence on intermediaries.
Tripura has been expanding its agricultural market infrastructure, with the state government earlier reporting plans to bring 21 agricultural markets under the e-NAM platform.
The former minister said stronger market infrastructure and improved connectivity were important for strengthening livelihoods and access to essential services in rural areas.
“Improved markets and better connectivity are not just conveniences—they are lifelines for rural communities. I am hopeful that the Centre’s cooperation will ensure these facilities reach the people quickly,” Bhoumik said.
She expressed hope that the issues raised during the meeting would receive appropriate consideration and lead to concrete measures for residents of the affected areas.
The demands cover both economic infrastructure and digital connectivity, with the proposed initiatives aimed at improving market access for farmers and communication facilities for people living in remote parts of Tripura.
