Tripura along with other parts of the country celebrated the 76th Republic Day with enthusiasm and patriotic fervour amidst tight security arrangements. So far, there is no report of any untoward incident from any part of the state.

The main programme and Republic Day parade was held at Assam Rifles ground on Sunday morning.

Tripura Governor Indrasena Reddy Nallu unfurled the tricolour at the Assam Rifles ground and took salutes of the police and other security forces in the main parade programme of the state.

Addressing the gathering during the celebration, the Governor highlights success in tackling insurgency, expresses concern about illegal migration

Governor said the state has made significant strides in developing its grassroots education system and promoting inclusive economic growth.

Tripura Governor Indrasena Reddy Nallu said on Sunday that the state government has made significant progress in development and has successfully addressed numerous issues, including armed insurgency. “We also witnessed the successful resolution of insurgency issues. On September 5, 2024, the Union and Tripura Governments signed a Memorandum of Settlement with the National Liberation Front of Tripura and the All-Tripura Tiger Force, disbanding these groups and bringing peace.”

The Governor noted that Tripura is transforming various sectors, including infrastructure, healthcare, education, agriculture, and the welfare of all communities. He mentioned that the “successful resolution of insurgency issues” in the state played a significant role in achieving peace. He pointed out that the Memorandum of Settlement signed on September 5 last year with the banned insurgent groups National Liberation Front of Tripura (NLFT) and the All-Tripura Tiger Force (ATTF) contributed to the disbandment of these outfits.

On Republic Day, the Governor also identified “illegal migration” from Bangladesh as a major concern and urged everyone to “boycott the people” who are supporting the illegal migration from the neighbouring countries. He also warned people of the state against drugs and said, “Tripura should be made a drug-free, clean state”.

The Governor stated that the state government is on a “path of transformation”. He noted that Rs 790.53 crore has been credited to the bank accounts of 2.76 lakh farmers through the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme. Additionally, Rs 32.93 crore has been contributed under the state Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana. He highlighted that 1,878 hectares of land have been brought under oil palm cultivation, benefiting 1,861 farmers under the National Mission for Edible Oils.

The Governor emphasised the state’s commitment to promoting female literacy and expanding higher education opportunities for girls. To support this initiative, the government launched the ‘Mukhyamantri Konya Atmanirbhar Yojana,’ which provides free scooters to outstanding college-going girl students, he said. The Governor announced that the state has approved the establishment of a private open university, in addition to three new private universities that have recently begun academic activities.

Students graduating from colleges and universities in the state are receiving support to improve their employability, according to the Governor. He mentioned that the Prime Minister Internship Scheme, which was launched in December of last year, is designed to enhance young people’s employability by providing internship opportunities at leading companies. He added that the PM Vidyalaxmi scheme will assist students pursuing higher education.

Reddy said Tripura has made significant strides in developing its grassroots education system by adding 27 new schools under the Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India (PM SHRI) initiative for the current academic year. Additionally, provisions have been made for more post-graduate seats at Agartala Government Medical College (AGMC), Govind Ballabh Pant (GBP) Hospital, Tripura Medical College (TMC), and Dr B R Ambedkar Teaching Hospital.

Reddy also said Tripura has prioritised achieving sustainable development goals by enhancing infrastructure and improving road connectivity throughout the state. The government has focused on providing safe drinking water to every household, successfully delivering functional tap connections to 632,387 households, which accounts for 84.27 per cent of rural households. Additionally, in the 2023-24 period, the construction of 108,703 houses was completed under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) for rural areas.

The Governor said the state government has introduced incentives for industries and service sectors to promote inclusive economic growth. This includes the announcement of the new Industrial Policy of Tripura this year, along with the establishment of the Investment Promotion Agency of Tripura, which serves as the sole point of contact for business setup and investment promotion, Reddy said.

Tripura is upgrading 19 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) to Industry 4.0 standards in collaboration with Tata Technologies Limited. This initiative aims to bridge skills gaps and enhance employability. Governor Reddy also mentioned that similar innovative initiatives are being undertaken in various sectors, including handloom and handicrafts, startups, tourism, and the development of religious shrines and sites.

Governor Reddy also said a series of steps were taken to develop a socio-economic, educational, and cultural situation of the Scheduled Tribes (ST), Scheduled Castes (SC), Other Backward Classes (OBC) and people living with disabilities, etc. He also mentioned the resettlement of Bru migrants from Mizoram in 11 locations of Tripura. He said they were brought under the ambit of the targeted Public Distribution System (PDS), ensuring their food and nutritional security.

The Governor said Tripura has made commendable progress in improving law and order. The state has initiated the recruitment process for 916 constables and 218 sub-inspectors, creating job opportunities for unemployed youth. Additionally, the enlistment of 6,067 special executives in the police department is underway to enhance policing services across the state, he said.

He cited a series of welfare steps introduced for people of different sections of society, including tea garden workers. The Governor also mentioned steps to revive, nourish, develop and promote the rich cultural heritage of different small ethnic groups of the state and said 122 events were planned consisting of 501 programmes to showcase the diverse and beautiful heritage and culture of the state this financial year, not to mention promoting fraternity among different parts of the country by sending cultural troupes to different states such as Assam and Rajasthan.

He also recounted the progress in the sports sector and said while sports infrastructure like seven synthetic football grounds, one synthetic athletics track, swimming pools, indoor halls etc, were set up, one-time financial assistance was provided to women athletes under the ‘Mukhyamantri State Talent Search Programme’, cash awards are given to medal holders and coaches to promote sports and healthy lifestyle.

While, Tripura Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha, who attended the Republic Day parade at the Assam Rifles ground, earlier hoisted the national tricolour at his official residence.

After the march past by security forces and motorbike demonstration by women police, in the concluding part of the programme hundreds  of school children performed various colourful dances and songs with traditional attire. The Republic Day was celebrated across Tripura with numerous functions and programmes, including sports events.

Meanwhile, reports from the districts said, Republic Day was also celebrated at district headquarters under tight security.