Tripura Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha on Wednesday said that people belonging to every religion are equal partners in Tripura’s development journey and stressed that unity among all communities is the key to ensuring peace, progress and inclusive growth in the state.

“Unity in diversity is the hallmark of our country and the state. Together for all and development for all is the foundation of progress,” Dr Saha said while addressing the inauguration ceremony of a loan distribution programme organised by the Tripura Minority Cooperative Development Limited at Pragya Bhavan.

The Chief Minister said that the government is committed to the overall welfare and empowerment of minority communities through initiatives focused on education, healthcare, financial independence, women’s empowerment and social security.

Highlighting the efforts of the Central government, Dr Saha said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been working towards the development of religious minorities across different sectors. He added that the Tripura government is also taking steps to gain the confidence of all minority communities through transparent governance and effective implementation of welfare schemes.

“Good work with transparency is one of the important ways to earn people’s trust. The government is working to bring realistic and positive changes in the lives of minorities,” he said.

Dr Saha emphasised the importance of women’s empowerment, stating that an educated daughter helps build a strong family and society. He said the government remains committed to ensuring safety, dignity and socio-economic security for minority women.

The Chief Minister also informed that the state government has submitted a proposal worth Rs 322 crore to the Centre seeking approval for various projects aimed at accelerating the socio-economic development of minority communities in Tripura.

During the programme, Dr Saha distributed loan cheques to beneficiaries from minority communities for higher education and business activities. The Minority Cooperative Development Corporation provided loans amounting to Rs 64.93 lakh to 28 beneficiaries.

The event was attended by Minority Welfare Minister Shuklacharan Noatia, Corporation Chairman Mohammad Jasim Uddin, Waqf Board Chairman Mawswar Ali, Haj Committee Chairman Shah Alam, former minister Billal Mia and senior officials of the department.