STATE: Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha engaged with journalists from Chhattisgarh during their visit to Tripura, outlining the state government’s focus on key sectors that contribute to the socio-economic development of its people. Meeting at his official residence on Saturday, he emphasized the government’s commitment to boosting the MSME sector, tourism, information technology, skill development, and self-reliance as part of Tripura’s growth strategy. The Chief Minister highlighted the state’s untapped tourism potential, noting its role in generating employment and income.
Tripura’s economy is diversified, with significant contributions from agriculture, rubber, bamboo, and natural gas. Dr. Saha highlighted the state’s leadership as India’s second-largest rubber producer and shared that 60% of the country’s incense sticks are produced in Tripura using locally sourced bamboo. Additionally, he pointed to government initiatives like Bamboo Park, Common Facility Centers, and a Design and Production Development Cell to foster the bamboo industry. Other agricultural products, including pineapples, jackfruit, oranges, cashew nuts, and ginger, are also being prioritized to increase local income and employment.
In healthcare, Dr. Saha noted that the state boasts two medical colleges, a dental college, a private medical college, a B.Sc. nursing college, and a paramedical college, along with nine super-specialty facilities at Agartala Government Medical College and GB Hospital. The government is aspiring to make Tripura a medical hub with policies supportive of industrial development and healthcare facilities.
The discussion also touched upon sports development, women’s self-help groups, the Chief Minister’s Samipeshu program, bio-villages, and the implementation of e-office systems, showcasing the state’s efforts toward self-reliance and digital governance. Accompanying Dr. Saha was his secretary and officials from the Press Information Bureau, including PK Chakraborty.
The visiting 14 journalists, who arrived on October 22, explored various developmental projects across the state and commended Tripura’s progress in infrastructure and livelihood enhancement.