Unity among all communities is key to Tripura’s progress, says CM Manik Saha

Agartala, July 29 (SocialNews.XYZ) Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Wednesday said that people belonging to every religion are equal partners in the state's development journey, asserting that unity among all communities is essential for sustained peace, harmony and inclusive progress.

Addressing a loan distribution programme for members of minority communities, organised by the Tripura Minority Cooperative Development Limited at Pragya Bhavan here, the Chief Minister said that "unity in diversity" is the hallmark of both India and Tripura. He stressed that collective development remains the cornerstone of the government's governance philosophy.

"People of every religion are partners in Tripura's development journey. Unity in diversity is the hallmark of our country and our state. Togetherness and development for all are among the fundamental pillars of progress," Saha said while inaugurating the programme.

Highlighting the Centre's initiatives for minority welfare, the Chief Minister said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been working for the holistic development of religious minorities across the country by focusing on education, healthcare, financial empowerment, women's welfare and security.

"The state government is also committed to earning the trust and confidence of all religious minority communities by working in the same direction. Transparent governance and sincere efforts are the strongest means of building public trust. We are striving to bring realistic and positive changes in the lives of people belonging to minority communities," he said.

Saha said that several welfare initiatives introduced by both the Central and state governments have strengthened the socio-economic condition of minority communities, particularly women.

"In several countries bordering India, women still do not enjoy adequate socio-economic security. However, in our country, minority women are now benefiting from various measures aimed at ensuring their financial security, empowerment and social dignity," he said.

Emphasising the importance of women's education, the Chief Minister said that educating a daughter strengthens an entire family and society. "An educated daughter means a strong family. Therefore, the government remains committed to ensuring the safety, education and empowerment of women belonging to minority communities," he added.

Reiterating the government's commitment to secular values, Saha said that every religion is accorded equal respect and dignity. "Every religion is respected and given due dignity by the government. When different religions and ethnic communities live together in harmony, it creates a peaceful atmosphere in the country as well as in the state. Such an environment strengthens people's confidence and encourages self-reliance," he said.

The Chief Minister said that government assistance and financial support through institutional loans can transform the lives of beneficiaries and their families by helping them become self-reliant. "A government loan or financial assistance can change the future of a person and their family. When one beneficiary succeeds, it inspires confidence among others in society and motivates them to pursue self-employment and entrepreneurship," he observed.

Saha also announced that the state government has submitted a project proposal worth Rs 322 crore to the Central government for the socio-economic development of people belonging to minority communities in Tripura. "The proposal seeks approval for a series of development projects aimed at improving the socio-economic condition of minority communities across the state," he said.

During the programme, the Chief Minister distributed loan sanction cheques to beneficiaries from minority communities for higher education and self-employment ventures.

Officials said that the Tripura Minority Cooperative Development Corporation on Wednesday disbursed loans amounting to Rs 64.93 lakh among 28 beneficiaries belonging to minority communities to support educational pursuits and business activities.

Minority Welfare Minister Shuklacharan Noatia, Chairman of the Tripura Minority Cooperative Development Corporation Mohammad Jasim Uddin, Tripura Waqf Board Chairman Mawswar Ali, Tripura State Haj Committee Chairman Shah Alam, former minister Billal Mia and Special Secretary of the Minority Welfare Department Nirmal Adhikari, among others, attended the programme.

Source: IANS