Agartala: In a move poised to strengthen traditional tribal governance and empower grassroots leadership, the Tripura government has announced a significant hike in the monthly honorarium for its 20 Pradhan Samajpatis. Chief Minister Manik Saha confirmed the decision, stating the honorarium has been increased from Rs 2,000 to a more substantial Rs 5,000 per month.
The decision, approved by the state cabinet, also marks a crucial change by lifting a previous restriction that barred government employees and pensioners from receiving the benefits. This means all duly elected or selected tribal heads will now be eligible for the monthly payment, a decision hailed as a recognition of their invaluable role in safeguarding the rich cultural heritage and social values of the state’s 19 recognised tribal communities. The Jamatia tribe, uniquely, is represented by two Pradhan Samajpatis, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to 20.
The announcement comes with the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) elections on the horizon, slated for early next year. The Chief Minister has been actively engaged with tribal leaders in recent weeks, including a meeting with the BJP’s Janajati Morcha on July 17 to review the situation in the tribal areas. The commitment to the tribal communities was further underscored by a meeting held on Wednesday, where Pradhan Samajpatis from the Tripura, Reang, Mog, and Murasing communities met with the Chief Minister at his official residence. This series of engagements highlights the government’s focus on the tribal vote bank ahead of the crucial local body elections. The newly amended policy, as per the Chief Minister, is a testament to the government’s resolve to empower and recognise the vital contributions of these traditional community leaders.