Agartala, February 29:Tripura Chief Minister, Dr. Manik Saha, underscored the crucial role of women’s development in advancing the nation’s progress, highlighting that women constitute 50 percent of the population and are essential for the country’s growth.
Addressing a seminar on empowering women farmers organized by the Tripura Commission for Women at Pragya Bhavan on Wednesday, Dr. Saha outlined a series of initiatives implemented by his government across various sectors to uplift women.
The Chief Minister emphasized, “Without the development of women, a country cannot progress. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged us to engage directly with beneficiaries, and we are diligently following this directive. Tripura has witnessed significant transformation, thanks to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s inclusive approach towards development, encapsulated in ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Prayas.’ He assures to fulfill all promises made.”
Last year, the state set a target to empower over 90,000 women to become ‘lakhpatis’ through Self-Help Groups by December this year.
Dr. Saha highlighted his government’s commitment to providing free education to all girl students in state-run colleges, a policy announced in 2022.
Addressing the pressing issue of women’s safety, the Chief Minister informed that nine women police stations have been established across eight districts, with deputy collectors and sub-divisional magistrates designated as district and sub-divisional dowry prohibition officers, respectively, to combat the dowry system.
To address domestic violence within marital lives, six family courts have been established in the state.
“We introduced a state policy for women empowerment in 2022, including 33 percent reservation for women in the job sector. Initiatives like One Stop Centre and Mukhyamantri Matri Pushti Yojana have been implemented,” Dr. Saha stated.
The number of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in the state has increased from nearly 4,000 to 56,479, engaging around five lakh women.
Dr. Saha also emphasized the importance of skill development to produce high-quality finished products, citing West Bengal’s success in nurturing a large number of skilled laborers in the past.
“Development goes beyond politics. Socio-economic progress is imperative. Prime Minister Modi and the Tripura government are dedicated to this cause,” Dr. Saha affirmed.
He further informed that a total of 11 crore farmers have been provided financial assistance under the Pradhan Mantri Krishak Samman Nidhi Yojana.
