Agartala, Nov 10 (PTI) Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Tuesday said his government was committed to the all-round development of areas under the TTAADC, describing the tribal council as an "integral part" of the northeastern state.
Addressing the oath-taking ceremony of seven executive members (EMs) of the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) at Khumulwng in West Tripura, Saha said the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution guarantees social, political and economic rights to indigenous people.
"The rights relating to land, tradition, culture and language accorded to indigenous people should be exercised carefully. There should not be any gaps in enjoying these rights. There may be demands from the tribal council, but they should be practical," he said, in an apparent reference to the Tipra Motha Party (TMP)'s demand for land rights.
Saha said a committee had been constituted comprising representatives of the state government and the tribal council administration to examine land-related issues.
He said another panel had been formed to amalgamate schools with low enrolment with those having relatively higher student strength in the tribal council areas to improve the quality of education.
"Education is the most important factor for development. The government has already formed a committee to amalgamate schools with low enrolment with those having relatively higher enrolment in the tribal council areas. We want to establish residential schools in tribal areas, on the lines of Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS), to provide better education to students," he said.
The chief minister said differences could arise while undertaking development work, but dialogue was essential to resolve them.
"Mistakes happen when work is undertaken, and gaps emerge when dialogue stops. We must keep discussing issues to solve problems, as the tribal council is an integral part of the state. Let us work together to build a vibrant Tripura," he said.
TMP founder Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma praised Saha for attending the oath-taking ceremony of the newly inducted executive members.
"I was in a dilemma about attending the programme but decided to be present to show my respect to the chief minister. It is my final decision that I will not be involved in direct politics anymore, but will continue to support the people," Debbarma said.
He also urged the chief minister to guide the tribal council administration in fulfilling people's aspirations for development.
Debbarma had guided the TMP to two consecutive electoral victories this year -- in the general elections to the TTAADC and the village committees.
Of the seven EMs who took oath, seven are from TMP and one from the BJP.
(This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)