Speaking at a state-level review meeting of the Scheduled Caste Welfare Department held at Sonar Tori State Guest House, the minister stressed that officials and employees of the department, along with other line departments, must play a proactive role in ensuring the overall welfare of SC communities and students.

"The government is committed to taking a comprehensive decision to expedite the implementation of welfare schemes among the Scheduled Caste population. A detailed roadmap is being prepared to improve outreach and ensure that beneficiaries receive the intended support without delay," Das said.

The meeting was attended by Scheduled Caste Welfare Department Secretary Deepa D. Nair, Director-in-Charge Bhaswar Bhattacharya, Deputy Director Pradip Reang, district and subdivision welfare officers, and officials from the Education, Rural Development, Public Works and other departments.

Reviewing the department's performance during the previous financial year, the minister said the meeting aimed to assess the progress of various schemes, identify implementation gaps and formulate strategies for better execution in the coming years.

He noted that Tripura is home to 34 Scheduled Caste communities and reiterated the government's commitment to their socio-economic upliftment through education, skill development and self-employment initiatives.

The minister also reviewed the implementation of key schemes, including the Pradhan Mantri Adarsh Gram Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana, Mukhyamantri Scheduled Caste Vikas Yojana, scholarship programmes, nucleus budget allocations and the status of SC hostels. He suggested organising district-level workshops across the state to create greater awareness about the Mukhyamantri Scheduled Caste Vikas Yojana.

During the meeting, Secretary Deepa D. Nair presented an overview of the Central and State government welfare programmes being implemented for the Scheduled Caste population. Director-in-Charge Bhaswar Bhattacharya made a detailed PowerPoint presentation highlighting the department's achievements during the 2025-26 financial year.

According to the presentation, 17,545 students of Classes VI to VIII received pre-matric scholarships, while 7,624 students of Classes IX and X were covered under the same scheme. In addition, 20,094 students studying from Class XI to university level received post-matric scholarships.

The department also provided one-time financial assistance to 575 students pursuing professional courses, with a second instalment of assistance released to 354 students. The Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Memorial Merit Award was conferred on 7,172 students, while two students received the Special Ambedkar Merit Award.

Under the Mukhyamantri Scheduled Caste Vikas Yojana, 1,928 beneficiaries were assisted for poultry farming, duck rearing and small business ventures during 2025-26. The department has also undertaken development works at Maharajganj Fish Market, Pechardhar Waterbody and Batasidepa Waterbody, with a combined project cost of Rs 72.78 crore.

The meeting was informed that 27 families received financial assistance under the inter-caste marriage incentive scheme. Development works are currently underway in 33 villages under the Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana. Construction of SC girls' hostels at Pabiachhara and Rangamati has been completed, while 119 teachers have been appointed to teach core subjects in 32 hostels across the state.

The presentation also highlighted the progress of the Babu Jagjivan Ram Memorial Hostel Scheme, skill development programmes for self-employed youth and loan recovery initiatives undertaken by the Tripura Scheduled Caste Cooperative Development Corporation.

Officials from the participating departments also reviewed the status of their respective projects and discussed measures to improve coordination for the effective implementation of welfare programmes across the state.