Agartala, Aug 29: A significant seminar focusing on the empowerment of the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) and the overall development of the state’s tribal communities was held at the Agartala Press Club on Saturday.
The seminar was organised by the Assembly of Retired Tribal Intellectuals & Scholars of Tripura (ARTIST) and brought together scholars, former government officials and community leaders to discuss the constitutional, administrative and developmental role of the autonomous council.
Former Law Secretary Data Mohan Jamatia, who addressed the gathering, stressed the need to strengthen local self-governance as a means of accelerating development in tribal-dominated areas. He highlighted the constitutional powers vested in the TTAADC and said the council has significant potential to contribute to improvements in infrastructure, education, healthcare and livelihood opportunities for tribal communities.
Speakers at the seminar emphasised that empowering the TTAADC should not be viewed merely as an administrative reform, but as an important step towards protecting the rights and ensuring the socio-economic progress of tribal communities.
They called for coordinated efforts across key sectors, including education, healthcare, employment, road and communication networks and social infrastructure. According to the participants, a comprehensive and sustained approach would be essential to address developmental challenges in tribal areas and create greater opportunities for local communities.
Prominent participants included Samir Debbarma, Dr Satya Ranjan Debbarma and Dhiraj Debbarma, besides several other members of ARTIST. They shared their views on the existing role of the TTAADC and its future scope, while stressing the need for greater public awareness and wider dialogue on issues concerning tribal development and self-governance.
The organisers also underlined the importance of safeguarding Tripura’s tribal culture, traditions and identity alongside economic and social development. They said stronger institutional mechanisms and greater policy attention could help ensure that development reaches communities while preserving their cultural heritage.
The seminar was described as a forward-looking initiative in the state’s ongoing discourse on tribal empowerment. ARTIST members said they would continue to organise discussions and advocacy programmes on issues affecting tribal communities, with the aim of promoting sustained dialogue and contributing to a stronger and more inclusive framework for tribal development in Tripura.
