JAN 7 : Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs Shri Durgadas Uikey undertook an official visit to Tripura, during which he combined cultural outreach with administrative and developmental engagements focused on tribal welfare. The visit underscored the Union Government’s commitment to inclusive growth, preservation of cultural heritage, and effective implementation of development schemes for tribal communities.
During his visit, Shri Uikey offered prayers at the revered Mata Tripura Sundari Temple in Gomati district, one of the most significant Shakti Peethas in the country. The Minister sought blessings for peace, prosperity and the overall well-being of the people of Tripura. The visit to the temple highlighted the cultural and spiritual significance of the region and reaffirmed respect for local traditions and heritage.
Following the temple visit, the Union Minister held interactions with leaders of the Tribal Front, engaging in detailed discussions on key tribal issues, ongoing development initiatives and organisational matters. These interactions provided a platform for tribal representatives to voice concerns, share grassroots-level feedback and suggest measures to further strengthen welfare programmes. Shri Uikey emphasised the importance of continuous dialogue with community leaders to ensure that policies and schemes effectively address local needs.
As part of his official engagements, the Minister also chaired an administrative review meeting focusing on development projects, implementation of central government schemes and public interest issues across the state. Senior officials briefed him on the progress of various initiatives aimed at improving livelihoods, education, healthcare and infrastructure in tribal-dominated areas. The review covered flagship schemes of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs as well as inter-ministerial programmes designed to bring holistic development to remote and underserved regions.
During the meeting, Shri Uikey stressed the need for timely execution of projects, transparency in implementation and regular monitoring to ensure that benefits reach intended beneficiaries. He highlighted that tribal development is a priority area under the vision of inclusive governance, and effective coordination between the Centre and the State is essential to achieve long-term outcomes. The Minister also called for addressing region-specific challenges through customised solutions, keeping in mind the socio-cultural fabric of tribal communities.
Officials informed the Minister about ongoing efforts to improve access to education, skill development and employment opportunities for tribal youth. Special emphasis was laid on empowering tribal women, promoting self-help groups and supporting traditional livelihoods through value addition and market linkages. The Minister encouraged officials to leverage technology and data-driven monitoring to enhance the efficiency of scheme delivery.
The visit also served as an opportunity to assess public interest issues and gather feedback on ground-level challenges faced by tribal populations. Shri Uikey reiterated the Union Government’s resolve to work closely with state authorities, local bodies and community organisations to accelerate development while preserving the cultural identity of tribal societies.
Overall, the visit of Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs Durgadas Uikey to Tripura reflected a balanced approach combining cultural respect, stakeholder engagement and administrative oversight. By reviewing development projects and interacting with tribal leaders, the Minister reinforced the Centre’s commitment to ensuring that growth and governance reach the last mile, fostering inclusive and sustainable development for Tripura’s tribal communities
