**Agartala, July 29:** Tripura’s concerns over tribal youth empowerment echoed in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday as Member of Parliament Rajib Bhattacharjee urged the Central Government to establish a modern, technology-driven residential skill development and employment centre dedicated to the state’s tribal youth.
Raising the issue in the Upper House, Bhattacharjee said such an institution would play a transformative role in equipping tribal youth with industry-relevant skills, improving employability, and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities. He stressed that empowering young people through skill development is essential for ensuring inclusive growth and strengthening the socio-economic condition of tribal communities in Tripura.
The MP alleged that previous governments led by the Left Front and the Congress had failed to implement effective measures for the empowerment of youth, particularly those belonging to tribal areas. He said that significant developmental changes have taken place in Tripura and the Northeast since Prime Minister Narendra Modi assumed office in 2014, citing improvements in infrastructure, road and rail connectivity, education, skill development, and employment generation.
Bhattacharjee asserted that establishing a state-of-the-art residential skill development centre equipped with modern technology would help tribal youth acquire professional training, become self-reliant, and contribute meaningfully to the country’s economic growth. He added that such an initiative would open new avenues for employment and entrepreneurship while reducing economic disparities in remote areas.
During his speech, the MP also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for highlighting Tripura’s rich cultural heritage in the popular radio programme *Mann Ki Baat*. He noted that the Prime Minister’s appreciation of the traditional musical instrument Chongpreng and folk artist Suraj Kumar Debbarma had brought national recognition to the state’s indigenous culture and inspired artists across Tripura.
Reiterating the vision of “Viksit Tripura, Viksit Bharat,” Bhattacharjee said the government’s commitment to tribal welfare, youth empowerment, and cultural preservation remains unwavering. He maintained that development and cultural identity must progress together to ensure inclusive and balanced growth.
His demand in Parliament has drawn attention to the need for targeted investments in skill development and employment generation for tribal youth, while also reinforcing the importance of preserving Tripura’s unique cultural heritage as part of the state’s broader development agenda.
